Deception in the Church; discerning false doctrines

Deception in the Church

Defending the Truth

I) Deception in the church
II) What is word faith?
III) What is the “latter rain movement?
IV) The five fold ministry
V) The Mega Church

    It is time to stop being afraid of offending people, take a stand for truth and expose the deception in the
church. Call it name dropping if you will, but the true Christian faith has an obligation and must deal with the
heretics deceiving the nations. In the epistle to the Galatians, Paul was aggressive in refuting the errors of a
different gospel being introduced. The difference being circumcision. Why would Paul be so upset about
circumcision, after all, he was a circumcised Jew himself? Because circumcision added works. It was Jesus + plus
additional works. Jesus plus anything is no gospel at all. This is also legalism, bringing law into grace, as well as a
different gospel. Paul was very harsh, blunt and direct when it came to the truth of the gospel, yet today the
church is a witness to a different gospel and we stand silent not wanting to offend anyone. There is only one
gospel of salvation and it is that of grace through faith in Jesus Christ through His work on the cross. If the truth
of the gospel offends anyone because it’s not politically correct then I will shake the dust of my feet and go to the
next town.

                                                                  DECEPTION IN THE CHURCH
    When "word faith", "positive confession"(WF, PC) first made its arrival in the Christian arena it seemed as if a
Holy Spirit filled revival had begun to take place. But as time passed and the popularity of this movement grew,
diligent students of the word of God noticed questionable teachings. The true nature of this movement appears to
resemble a cult rather than a Christian denomination. Although there seems to be noticeable fruit, of heeling's and
converts, it is the true Christians duty to test and question the soundness of the foundation and core teachings
of these movements. The WF, PC and prosperity theology movements have had a significant influence in the
Pentecostal and charismatic denominations. In fact, these denominations have not only gravitated toward the WF
movement, they seem to have embraced it without apology. They seem to be attracted to the "power" that's
involved in signs and wonders, mistaking false counterfeit manifestations for works of God. Matthew 24:11, 24
makes it clear we will experience deception and false prophets displaying signs and wonders in the end times, For
false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even
the elect. The Bible NEVER mentions God will send prophets near the end of the age, but it DOES make clear of
the false prophets during the end times. 1 Tim 4:1 says Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times
some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. 2 Tim 4:2-5 also
warns us:   Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all
longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but
according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves
teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be
watchful in all things, endure afflictions..." Christ himself said "A wicked and adulterous generation seeks
after a sign". I have often referred to the unusual times we are in as the age of deception. Unfortunately many
Christians are being deceived by nothing more than motivational speakers because their audience wants to hear
only about the blessings they will receive. They take the focus off of sin and the need of repentance and speak
only of blessings and treasures. These preachers often lack formal education in Bible training and have made their
own version of a mysticism-Christianity. We should also question the need for certain ministers to live in the lap of
luxury and materialism. Where do they get their money? They tell you themselves; from viewers like you.

                                                                         WHAT IS WORD FAITH
Although the WF teachings vary with slight differences from one group to another, I will share an examination of
their common beliefs. Christians should not only reject the teachers along with their different gospel, but be
polemic in refuting, exposing and expelling them as the heretics they are. The WF teachers would seek to convince
us that faith is a force to draw from, a power that can alter or even create reality. This belief, also known as
positive confession, would lead you to believe that you create your own environment of circumstances, wealth or
sickness due to what you proclaim or confess with your mouth. You can speak blessings or disaster into
existence. Sounds a lot like the latest best selling secular book "The Secret". The question of your faith should be
in whom, not in what; faith in Jesus, not in a non tangible force or power. The Holy Spirit is also a who and not an
it. Here is a definition of true faith I gave in my Spiritual Fitness book. Faith is not just belief, even the demons
believe there is one God. True saving faith is much deeper. It is not only a personal, intimate relationship with
Christ; it is an eternal commitment to Him and a dependency on His finished work on the cross. Knowing Christ's
atoning sacrifice is our only salvation and way to forgiveness of sin. Faith is also following Christ in complete
obedience to His word - carrying your cross. True faith is not what you say but who you trust.
Follow carefully each point I will make in order to fully understand and grasp the level of deception of this teaching.
The variations from the gospel make this movement one of the most dangerous and deceiving teachings of our
day.
1) Revelation knowledge is required. Although I do believe God reveals things to us (through His word and in
our heart) and guides believers through life into progressive sanctification by the Holy Spirit, a close examination is
required to understand what revelation knowledge really means. Revelation knowledge is gnosticism cleverly
disguised. Requiring special knowledge and revelation that is only available to a few elect is gnosticism and elitism.
These leaders claim to hear from God, Jesus and angels as well as receive special visitations from them. Kenneth
Haggin claims to have been to the third heaven and had more visitations from Jesus than the apostles Paul and
John combined. They claim to have received their teachings by direct revelation from God. Therefore they go
outside and beyond the teachings of the Bible. Kenneth Copeland says the earth we live on is a copy of a "mother
earth" which God lives on. How does he know this? Because God told him; and to argue with him would be to
argue with God.

2) It lowers God in several ways in order to elevate man. The word faith teachers might speak of God highly
and in a personal way, but they regard Him as an energy source of forces that can be drawn upon by the use of
laws that even God must obey. This contradicts the sovereignty of our Lord.

3) They lower Jesus by claiming He became a mere man without divine power while on earth. While on earth He
had to use the word and laws of faith to do miracles.

4) While on the cross Jesus had to take on the nature of Satan. Christ may have taken the sin of the world
upon himself, yet He was without sin and He never took on the nature of Satan. The Bible says Jesus is the son of
God, the word of God and God manifest in the flesh. God is unchangeable and can not take on the nature of
Satan. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8). To even suggest our holy God can
become unholy or take on an evil nature is blasphemy.

5) Jesus died spiritually. Because the WF teaches Jesus was a mere man and took on the nature of Satan His
physical death wasn't enough to atone. 1 Pet 3:18 clearly states; For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just
for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit. In John
19:30 Jesus says "it is finished". Christ only died physically. The work on the cross reconciled us with God. Jesus
did not need to die spiritually as well as physically to pay for all the sins of the world. Who hath delivered us
from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of hisa dear Son: In whom we
have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:(Col 1:13,14).By the which will we are
sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Heb 10:10). Therefore Jesus also,
that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate (Heb 13:12)

6) Jesus descended into hell a mortal man to suffer three days and nights, as a man, before He was
born again.

7) Jesus was the first born again man. Word faith ventures further and deeper into this absurdity by claiming
Jesus defeated the devil by being born again. We now have Jesus a mortal man suffering in hell having to be born
again in order to defeat the devil. See where this is going? Again, I think 1 Pet 3:18,19 clarifies the truth. For
Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in
the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly
were disobedient. Jesus had no need to be born again because He was NOT a lost sinner, but rather the eternal,
holy, divine son of God. The faith teachers must lower God to enable them to claim "I am a little God". This is
where they really twist the scripture to fit their abstract ideology. According to Kenneth Copeland's translation of
Romans 8:28, Jesus is the first born again man and is never referred to as the only begotten son of God after the
book of Acts. Jesus, as the first born again man, initiated the new race to come. Claiming to be this new race the
word faith claim to be equal with Jesus because we are born again as He was. Copeland has publicly stated that if
only the physical death of Jesus was required to save the world of sin then anyone could have done it. Apparently
there is no level of heresy he will not sink to. Here are some claims he makes in one of his sermons.

Kenneth Copeland went on to say, "And the whole New Testament calls Him the first-born ... The word "born"
began to ring in my spirit; it just began to roll around: born, born. I never had let Him go through that in my own
thinking ... And while I was laying there thinking about these things, the Spirit of God spoke to me. And He said,
"Son, realize this: Now follow me in this, don't let your tradition trip you up." He said, "Think this way: A twice-
born man whipped Satan in his own domain." And I threw my Bible down. I said, "What?" He said, "A born-again
man defeated Satan … The first-born of many brethren defeated him." He said, "You are the very image and the
very copy of that one." I said, "Goodness gracious, sakes alive!" And I began to see what had gone on there, and
I said, "You don't mean...you couldn't dare mean, that I could have done the same thing?" He said, "Oh, yeah, if
you'd had the knowledge of the Word of God that He did, you could have done the same thing, cause you're a
reborn man too. (Kenneth Copeland. "What Happened from the Cross to the Throne" tape # 02-0017)

They seem to forget Christ was without sin, (Heb 4:15). All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
(Ro 3:23), so that would disqualify Copeland as well as all of mankind. Christ is the only one who qualifies, having
lived a life without sin, being born of a virgin and the only son of God.

The apostle Paul warned us of people that would preach another Jesus and feared we would put up with it
(2Co 11:3,4). That is precisely what is happening today as the Christian community tolerates this teaching. To
sum up the errors of theWF and PC teachings in short ... 1) They lower God, 2) they elevate man, 3) to be equal
with Jesus. 4) They deny sin and 5) focus on self, blessings, gifts and prosperity. For faith teachers salvation is
not the forgiveness and removal of sin through the shed blood of Christ's atoning sacrifice. Salvation for them is
the removal of Satan’s nature in man and the restoration of the nature of God in man. Faith teachers claim Adam
had the nature of God until he fell and then took on the nature of Satan. These claims are not a matter of a
difference of interpretation opinions. Essential doctrines are being challenged and it is the Christians duty to be
zealous in refuting the spread of these lies. It is time for the church to take a stand and not be afraid to confront
deception for the evil it is.
    I do not make claims without evidence. On the surface these preachers seem to be ok. But after careful
examination their errors are exposed. Below is a list of quotes by a few of
these teachers of WF.

“He (Jesus) who is righteous by choice said, ‘The only way I can stop sin is by me becoming it. I can’t just stop it
by letting it touch me; I and it must become one.’ Hear This! He who is the nature of God became the nature of
Satan where He became sin!” (Benny Hinn, TBN Dec 1, 1990)

"Christians are 'Little Messiah's' and 'little gods' on the earth. (he then encourages the audience) . say I am a God-
man ... This spirit-man within me is a God-man, say I'm born of heaven a God-man. I'm a God man. I am a sample
of Jesus. I'm a super being. Say it! Say it! Who's a super being? I walk in the realm of the supernatural. Say it! •..
You want to prosper? Money will be falling on you from left, right and center. God will begin to prosper you; for
money always follows righteousness. Say after me, everything I ever want is in me already." -
(Benny Hinn, TBN Dec.6,1990).

"God the Father, ladies and gentleman, is a person and He is a triune being by Himself, separate from the Son and
the Holy Ghost ... See, God the Father is a person, God the Son is a person, God the Holy Ghost is a person; but
each one of them is a triune being by himself. If I can shock you and maybe I should, there's nine of them! What
did you say? Let me explain. God the Father, ladies and gentlemen, is a person with his own personal spirit, with
his own personal soul and his own personal spirit body. You say, I never heard that! Well, you think you are in
church to hear things you heard for the last fifty years?"
(Benny Hinn, Orlando Christian Center Broadcast, 13 Oct. 1990.)

“You are as much the incarnation of God as Jesus Christ was…the believer is as much an incarnation as Jesus of
Nazareth”
(Kenneth Hagin “word of faith” Dec 1990)

“I say this with all respect so that it don’t upset you too bad, but I say it anyway. When I read in the Bible where
He (Jesus) says, ‘I am,’ I just smile and say, ‘Yes, I am too.’ ” (Kenneth Copeland “Believers voice of Victory” TBN July 9,
1987)

“I am a little god, I have His name, I am one with Him. I’m in covenant relation. I am a little god. Critics be gone!”
(Paul Crouch, “Praise the Lord program,” July 7, 1986)

  I could fill a book with foolish quotes, but you get the point.

                                                        WHAT IS THE LATTER RAIN MOVEMENT
    The Latter Rain movement is the belief embraced by many Charismatic and Pentecostal denominations that God
is pouring out His Spirit again as He did at Pentecost. Unfortunately the primary focus is on signs and wonders
and the work of the cross as well as a personal relationship with God can get overlooked. Having this view leaves
believers open for deception. When your efforts and concentration focus on gifts and not the giver, or you take
your eyes off the cross, then your attention is taken away from God which leads to deception. Latter Rain beliefs
can also lead to embracing aberrant teachings. Some teach this movement will bring Gods work to completion on
earth and usher in Christ’s kingdom. They go on to say the church is establishing His kingdom on earth now with
apostles and prophets. Apostles and prophets are in the past and I will only briefly explain why. In a nonofficial
sense, the word apostle referred to Christian messengers. However, an apostle was originally the official name of
the twelve disciples Jesus chose personally. Peter gave the qualifications of an apostle. They were to have been
personally acquainted with the entire ministry life of Christ, chosen by Christ, having power to work miracles and
their main role was the founding and building of the church. The main role of a prophet was to record and write
scripture, documentation of eschatological events, warn of judgment and repentance and to reveal the coming
messiah, all of which have been fulfilled. Some of the more extreme leaders of Latter Rain also teach ‘manifest
sons of God’ doctrine. This is a heretical doctrine which declares that a special group of overcomer's will receive
spiritual bodies and be immortal before the rapture or Christ’s return. This group will rise up from with in the
church during the end times to set up Gods kingdom on earth. No man will ever set up the Kingdom of God. This
belief is unscriptural. Christ will set up His own Kingdom during the millennial reign and the saints will have the
privilege to serve Him and reign with Him.
    The term latter rain comes from the book of Joel. To truly understand any book of the Bible we must ask some
basic questions prior to study. 1) Who is the author? 2) Who is the author speaking to? 3) What are the current
and future circumstances and conditions? Joel prophesied in Judah in the early eighth century BC during the days
of Uzziah (792-740 BC). Those were days of prosperity in Israel and Judah second only to the days of Solomon.
The greatest locust plague to ever devastate the land descended on Judah destroying all the crops, threatening
the entire economy and existence of the people. This plague was a judgment of God as a result of the moral decay
of the Jewish people. Joel prophesied to the Jew’s that if they repent God would receive them, heal the land and
restore the elements needed (former and latter rains). Clearly Joel is speaking of the rain needed for the growth of
crops and the harvest of the land. The misinterpretation comes from the comparison of verse 2:23 and verse 2:
28. "Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the LORD your God; For He has given you the
former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you— The former rain, And the latter
rain in the first month (Joel 2:23). “And it shall come to pass afterward, That I will pour out My Spirit
on all flesh; (Joel 2:28). Take note v 23 begins by addressing the audience as “children of Zion”, a clear indication
of the recipients being that of the Jewish nation. And God’s promise in the same verse is they would receive both
the autumn and spring rain in the first month. The NIV translates as autumn and spring rain. Verse 28 begins by
saying, “and afterward”, which clearly places these events after the events mentioned in 2:21-27. The remaining
chapter deals with God’s eschatological time table (end time events). The primary view is on the state of Israel but
Joel pointed out that the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all believers. However, any mention of other nations
in scripture during the tribulation period is in reference to judgment. And believe me, the anti christ and his
followers who take his mark do not fall into the “all flesh” category as recipients of the Holy Spirit outpouring. So it
is obvious that not all flesh will receive the Holy Spirit and God was referring primarily to Israel’s salvation. The
entire book of Joel is dealing with Israel and their salvation before the second coming of Christ.
    Now let’s take a look at Peter’s mention of Joel’s prophecy in Acts 2:17 and the common mistake of using this
verse to explain what occurs at some latter rain revivals and crusades. This verse can not be applied today. As
previously mentioned the time these events occur take place before the great and terrible day of the Lord, the
location is Israel and the people being referred to are Jews. Joel 3 begins with “In those days and at that time”,
and then proceeds to Armageddon and judgment of the nations. So what Peter refers to in Acts is not the entire
prophecy in Joel, but rather a partial fulfillment. This is known as the law of double reference and it is clear the
remaining portion of this prophecy takes place at the end of the tribulation. Zechariah also mentions this out
pouring of the Holy Spirit and we can be sure it is the same reference because Jesus Christ is being revealed to the
Jews in the same verse. “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of
grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns
for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” (Zech 12:10). Here we have the recipients
being the house of David and Jerusalem and the time frame is when Christ is revealed to the Jews.
    The key to Gods prophetic time clock is Israel. We are in the times of the Gentiles and after we are taken God
will be exclusively dealing with Israel and their salvation. In the book of Genesis Joseph ordered the gentiles to
leave the room before he revealed himself to his brothers. This was a foreshadow of the church being taken away
(raptured) before Christ reveals Himself to Israel.

                                                               WHAT IS THE FIVE FOLD MINISTRY
   The five fold ministry holds onto similar beliefs of the “latter rain” movement. Their “kingdom now” teaching is
also a twist of scripture. Although we are to become more Christ like through the process of progressive
sanctification (being conformed to the image of Christ) by the work of the Holy Spirit, Christ’s kingdom will not be
realized until He personally sets up His millennial kingdom after the tribulation. The five fold ministry concept is
derived from Ephesians 4:11 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists,
and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying
of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God,
to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:11-13). The five-fold
ministry teaches these gifts are for building up the church into perfect unity but we must look at scripture as a
cohesive whole. The gifts are actually the men (prophets, apostles etc) as gifts from God to the church. The
church organization will never be perfect in unity, however the church as believer's, the body of Christ, "the gates
of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matt 16:18) because the body of Christ is already perfect; it is a finished and
completed work. The growing of the church into perfection refers to the full number of the saved coming into
completion (fullness of times); until the body of Christ is complete. From the same verses they also teach that the
offices of apostles and prophets have been restored. Eph 4:12,13 explain the five fold ministry is for the building
up of the church, but if we look in the same epistle in Eph 2:20 Paul tells us that apostles and prophets were given
as the foundation of the church with Christ as the chief cornerstone. Are we still laying the foundation? The main
role of the office of the apostle and prophet was to bridge the gap between the coming messiah, Christ’s earthly
ministry and the building of the foundation of the church. The foundation is the word of God; the unifying theme
of the Bible, the person and work of Jesus Christ. With the completion of the New Testament canon the offices of
apostles and prophets came to an end because their role had been fulfilled. If we look at the book of Daniel 9:24-
27, I believe this prophecy clearly explains that vision and prophecy will be sealed up after the seventy weeks of
Daniel. There were sixty-two weeks of years until Christ was "cut off" and seven weeks of years until the
destruction of the temple. This leaves one more week of years which is the seven year Tribulation period. The time
in between the destruction of the temple in 70AD and the Tribulation period is known as the church age or the
dispensation of grace and falls outside of visions and prophets. Prophecy and visions will be restored during the
last week of Daniel (the Tribulation). The Bible contains everything needed for personal growth, spiritual growth,
church growth, guidance and spiritual direction.

                                                             THE MEGA CHURCH
   When it comes to Satan’s attack on the church I can see how he knows the weak points of denominations and
cultures and attacks there (vanity, pride, spiritual immaturity). I can see many Baptist churches going in the
direction of the mega church and it saddens me. There is nothing wrong with a big/mega church but we must ask
ourselves in all we do to build and serve the church, ‘will this advance the Kingdom’? Will pool tables, video games,
athletic clubs etc..etc.., will this advance Gods Kingdom? I understand the convenience in offering certain amenities
to the members of the church in order to grow the Christian community but not at the cost of losing the
message. I have noticed certain TV preachers that are so focused on teaching by example that their sermons are
no more than drama and entertainment designed to appeal to the audience. The danger in this is the word of God,
the saving message of the Gospel gets lost. Grace church, Kerry Shook and Ed Young jr are so occupied in
entertainment they have made a road show of the gospel. If the Word of God is not sufficient to draw a crowd,
then we shouldn't be worried about drawing a crowd by the possibility, how ever remote, of losing the truth of the
saving gospel.
    Neither should the church be structured by management success techniques. I have heard replies such as "do
NOT criticize what God is blessing". The absurdity of this statement defies human reasoning. Wicca is a fast
growing cult of witchcraft, should we assume God is blessing that pagan organization with growth? Popularity
should not be confused with Gods approval. Church guidelines should not be motivated by the management
systems created by men, especially from a secular world view.
    Peter Drucker is a corporate management consultant and his marketing techniques have been applied to
corporate management structures for years and now many churches such as Rick Warrens Saddleback Church
have embraced his policies. These churches have a distorted view of true success and believe growth and numbers
illustrate success. Gods definition of success is not ours. His ways are beyond human understanding. Churches
under a “management structure” view the congregation as customers and believe focusing on the customers
perspective brings success. They take polls and conduct surveys in order to understand the needs of the people.
By doing this they are focusing on the emotional needs of the unbeliever in order to attract and appeal to the
mass, meanwhile, overlooking the true needs of Gods children (especially in the spiritual growth area). Too many
churches today are so focused and preoccupied with the church growth movement that they have lost proper
perspective on priorities. The church is not called to follow corporate America. As Christians the church should rely
on God for results (of spiritual growth) not marketing strategies. Are we to be driven with purpose or led by the
Spirit? I truly believe our time is short and the time for building big temples with big movie screens and million
dollar sound systems should come to an end. The body of Christ should focus her attention on love for our
brethren and spreading the gospel while allowing the Holy Spirit to sew that seed into the recipients life.
    Even the majority of today's worship music concentrates on crowd pleasing. Many people say we are each
unique individuals and the body of Christ is diverse in culture and personality; therefore I want to be free to
worship my way. Have you ever considered how God wants the church to worship Him? In what manner does God
want to be worshiped? Remember Cain and Abel? Cain wanted to worship his way too, but Abel was obedient and
performed in the manner God directed him. Our songs to the Lord should be filled with the truth of Gods word as
well as recognizing the dire need of a savior in our lives. They should praise God for redeeming mankind through
the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The majority of today's worship music is weak on doctrine and heavy on
emotional stimuli to satisfy the felt needs of the mass. I somehow doubt God is pleased by a diverse variety of
music taken from pagan roots that lacks reverence toward Him. God is not your buddy or your homeboy! He is
the Lord God almighty, creator of the universe and Christians should posses a healthy fear, reverence and awe of
Him
    Unfortunately today’s church is rapidly approaching a complete state of disarray and disappointment. Even the
relationships within the body are growing cold or getting lost in the mega church. The scriptures are clear how we
should love our fellow brethren. When it comes to relationships at church most men don't go much deeper than a
hand shake, a slap on the back and superficial dialogue. And if you find yourself in need most members and clergy
are quick to tell you they will pray for you and then go their merry way forgetting you all together. Yes, prayer is
effective but the Bible says what good are your words if they are not followed by action (1 Jn 3:18, James 2:15).
As Christians we should NEVER let other believer’s suffer alone. We should extend our hand in love and support.
Now it is important to understand we should not support those who seek to take advantage of the generous
nature Christian’s should have. The apostle Paul made it clear that those who do not work, should not eat.
    So why is it today’s church only receives and takes and takes? All I hear is how we should give. Why have
pastors and even church members forgotten their brethren and seem to live only for themselves. Our selfish
attitude is a danger to the body of Christ. It is time we start behaving like the children of God. The Bible says if
you do not love your brothers, you are not children of God.
    Even most men's ministries are a disappointment. We need a men's ministry that is more than golf outings,
hunting trips, retreats, steak nights and pancake breakfast's. We need an effective men's ministry that edifies
each other strengthening our men, picking each other up in love when we fall and holds us accountable. We need a
men's group that really ministers to our lives; transforming men's lives, restoring marriages and relationships,
breaking bondages and addictions and forming friendships by applying Biblical principles. Every mans spiritual
growth is weakened because of pride - we all have weaknesses and struggles. We are all vulnerable to attacks of
Satan.

                                                   Concluding remarks
    It is not my intention to attack denominations but to wake up the body of Christ in awareness of what is
happening to the church. The word faith, positive confession, latter rain and prosperity theology all go hand in
hand and twist into an integration of a different gospel. All the scriptural evidence points to the church being
tested and needing to endure toward the end times. Scripture is also clear of the many false prophets, false
teachings and false apostles deceiving the nations near the end of the age. My friends, we are that generation and
we are witness to the rise of apostasy and deception. We must be diligent in defending the truth at any cost.
Below are several quotes of scripture that validate my closing remarks and bring to light the reality of what the
world is facing now.

you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold
that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus
Christ,
(1Pet 1:6,7)

So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will continue to
live in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us.
(1Jn 2:24-25) NLT

And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved (Matt 10:22)

Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many
will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matt 24 11-13)

For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the
elect. See, I have told you beforehand. (Matt 24:24,25)

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert (distort) the gospel of Christ. 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. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what
you have received, let him be accursed (Gal 1:6-9)

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My
Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out
demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew
you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! (Matt 7:21)

Looking at Matt 7:21 we must understand that it is Jesus speaking. So when the recipients of whom Jesus is
addressing replies ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done
many wonders in Your name?”, we know that these deceivers will be prophesying and performing many wonders,
yes, in the name of Jesus. But they will not know Him, they will be full of superficial signs and wonders, overlooking
the work of the cross and the need of repentance.