FALSE EVANGELISM: THE SNARES OF HERESY

[Terry Scerine]

Of Christ or of Antichrist?

How shall we regard those who appear or profess to be of the faith, but who profess heresies? Do we consider them as brothers in Christ, members of the Body? Or do we consider them to be antichrists?

...and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (1 John 2:18, KJV)

As we know, there are some who profess, and may even appear at first glance to be, evangelists of Christ and the Gospel, but who in fact deceptively exalt themselves and/or other spirit beings higher than Christ and His Word.

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:5, KJV)

Just because a person may have the appearance of being a born-again believer in Jesus Christ does not automatically include him or her in the Body of Christ. It must not be assumed that he or she is a brother or sister. He or she may be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Cor 11:13-14, KJV)

So then, how shall we regard anyone whom we can safely discern, by the testing of the spirit, are false evangelists?

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2 John 1:9-11)

Here is the first red flag warning of a false evangelist: self-exaltation. I believe that self-proclaimed apostles and prophets, and other false evangelists, have a personal or otherwise unholy agenda.

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20.29-30, KJV)

False evangelists seek to draw disciples to themselves through the lure of spiritual sensationalism, or "charis-mania". And the lure is ultimately self-exaltation. We all want to feel as though we have an exclusive and privileged spiritual connection to God. This is the oldest enemy of God and the Cross of Christ: Pride. These false evangelists appeal to our sense of pride and self-absorption.

They would have us believe that they have a special anointing from God and have been given special revelation from Him, and that we, too, might be able to receive a special anointing as well. But isn't it the truth that all of us born-again believers have received the same anointing, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the certain of the gifts He brings for each of us?

Beware of Widely-Accepted Professions of Men

Hitler was quoted to say something to the effect that, "The more often and more loudly a lie is told, the more people will believe it."

When the whole Christian world had been believing what the Catholic Church told them to believe for many, many years, Martin Luther stood up against the doctrines of Catholicism after reading God's Word for himself. He used scriptural Truth to destroy the well-established and widely-accepted, but wrong, teachings of men.

I once attended a church where one of the senior members told me that I was expected to unquestionably accept as truth whatever the pastor taught in his sermons. They believed that the pastor was anointed by God and that his teachings from the pulpit were divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, and were therefore the truth.

One Sunday after his message I asked him if he had ever, as a pastor, taught anything in a sermon that he later realized was not true. He honestly replied, "Yes." This didn't surprise me, because he is only a man.

Beware of any man who is called or otherwise considered to be a "spiritual father". Also, beware of any man who professes to be your shepherd or protective covering. I have been told that I was to consider my pastor to be my shepherd and protective covering, and that I was to do only what he says. Effectively, he exalted himself as my authority even above the leadings of the Holy Spirit in my heart.

True members of the Body of Christ should heed this:

1. Our only spiritual father is our Father in Heaven.
2. Our only infallible teacher is the Word of God and His Holy Spirit.
3. Our only shepherd and protective covering is Jesus Christ.

Doctrines of Devils

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils... (1 Timothy 4:1, KJV).

Any doctrine that isn't true is a lie, a doctrine of devils. Teachers who teach their own ideas run the risk of teaching a lie. But here are four things we know:

1. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, and is therefore the Truth!
2. Truth cannot contain self-contradictory information; it is inherently impossible.
3. God does not deceive or lead anyone to be deceived.
4. All "doctrines" on any topic must be able to be reconciled to one Truth.

So what is the problem? How can there be so many "biblical scholars" on opposing sides of so many doctrinal issues? Since we know that the scriptures cannot contradict themselves, we can conclude that any conflicts of doctrine can only arise from man's private interpretations of the scriptures.

Knowing this first, that no prophesy of scripture is of any private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20, KJV)

Cult Followings

Again: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1, KJV)

There have in recent years been some so-called "Christian" outpourings and revivals, and certain groups, that satisfy at least three of the common traits of a cult. These are the common traits of cults:

1. A source of extra-scriptural authority (person, being, writing, and/or "new revelation" prophesy)
2. The denial of complete justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
3. The devaluation of Christ (through the exaltation of another entity)
4. The group as the exclusive community of the saved, enlightened, or specially anointed.

Avoid the Snares of Heresy

Anything that is not truth is a lie, and any writing or belief that contains a lie, is itself a lie. "A little leaven leavens the whole lump." Satan is the father of lies, and any belief or doctrine that embodies a lie is a "doctrine of devils".

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine... (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV)

...no prophesy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20, KJV)

God does not deceive; nor will He lead us to deception or division! This is solely the work of Satan! God has lovingly provided us with His written Word to help us avoid the snares of bondage to heresy and ultimately to Satan himself.

Know your Savior and His Truth through your own diligent study of the Word of God.

Believers who read and study the Bible for themselves, who trust no other teacher alone other than God's Word and the Holy Spirit, who discover and know the real Truth, can no longer be held in bondage by Satan and the false prophets and evangelists who serve him.

Rightly Dividing the Truth

Many of us have been indoctrinated with teachings we have heard and believed, including wrong conclusions and private interpretations of evangelists.

But if we want the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth, we cannot allow teachers, no matter how "scholarly" they seem or how widely-accepted their teachings and methods are, to relieve us of the responsibility of diligently studying the Bible for ourselves to rightly divide the truth from heresy and to discern the spirit from which evangelists operate.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15-16, KJV)

Our thought processes are profoundly influenced by our indoctrinated beliefs. Consequently, as we read the scriptures, we subconsciously read them through the "colored glasses" or filter of pre-learned doctrines, and interpret them to fit these doctrines.

We make the scriptures fit the doctrine, rather than forming doctrine from the scriptures. To avoid this, we must be careful to take the scriptures at face value, and make no assumptions; to "think outside the box" of man's understanding and read them through the "clear glasses" of devotion to Truth.

As you read God's Word for yourself, pray our Father will open your eyes and ears fully, and lead you into the Truth. Pray for His wisdom to help you discern His truth from heresy.

The Anointing

These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:26-27)

All truly saved believers in Jesus Christ have received the same anointing - the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who brings certain gifts for each of us when He comes to dwell in us.

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

Each of us believers posesses any number of the gifts of the Holy Spirit at any given time, as He wills to give them to us and when He wills to give them to us.

Contrary to popular belief, I find not one shred of evidence anywhere in the scriptures that there is any special baptism of the Holy Spirit that any of us true believers may lack. We were each baptized in the Holy Spirit at the moment of our salvation, each fully equipped with the gifts He has chosen to give us, and we lack nothing more.

We may covet and pray for all the gifts of the Spirit, and may indeed receive them. But none of us are specially privileged above another. God is no respecter of persons!

On Modern-Day Apostles

I am a full-gospel believer, but for me the jury is still out on this subject of modern-day Apostles. Maybe there are indeed true modern day apostles, but I believe they would not exalt themselves to such a status.

Those today who call themselves Apostles are just that: self-proclaimed and self-exalted to that highest position among men. Beware the leven of the pharisees and sadusees!

Here is the scripture verse these so-called modern-day "apostles" love to quote to validate their self-proclaimed Apostleship:

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11, KJV)

I believe there may be modern-day apostles, yes; but of which spirit?

I believe that a true Apostle is one who was personally selected by Jesus Christ Himself. First the 12 original, then the one selected by God to replace Judas (when the eleven cast lots to allow God Himself to choose the new twelfth), then Paul who again was personally commissioned by Jesus Himself on the road to Damascus. Period. The end of Apostles. Yes, He gave some, apostles. And there it ended.

The following scriptures seem to me to exclude the addition of any more Apostles than those commissioned by Jesus Himself in Person:

After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. (1Cor 15:7)

For I am the least of the apostles...(1Cor 15:9)

For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.(2Cor 11:5)

On Modern-Day Prophets of God

I personally knew of one man who was a card-carrying member of the "Prophetic and Apostolic movement" who carried professional cards to hand out. Below his name on the card read "Prophet of God". In fellowship gatherings in homes, he would announce his offer to prophesy a word from God to anyone who asked. He even had assistants to stand behind you, ready to catch you if you became "slain in the spirit" as he prophesied over you.

In effect, he was claiming to be an on-demand prophet of God. He was claiming to be able to puppeteer God at his own will. I asked him once if he was convinced that everything he told others when he "prophesied" to them was truly from God. He admitted that sometimes he was just making it up.

Indeed, I suggest that whenever he initiated it himself, he was making it up.

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people... (2Peter 1:21 - 2:1)

God is not our puppet to be used to our own glory!

There have been times when something I've said turned out to be miraculously the exact thing someone else needed to hear from God at that moment. Once, I said something to a woman that she was convinced was a true, verbatim word from God for her. In effect, God had momentarily used my mouth and gave me the exact words at that precise moment.

Did I intend to do that? No, it hadn't even entered my mind. Did I prophesy a word from God to that woman at that moment? I'm convinced that I did. Does that mean that I can go around presenting myself as a Prophet of God now? Certainly not. I merely prophesied a word from God at HIS initiative, not my own.

A true prophesy from God will always be at His initiative, not ours. The Prophets in the Old Testament didn't set out or determine for themselves to be prophets. In fact, consider Jonas, the reluctant Prophet.

God can use any of us, moment by moment, to speak forth His truth to others as He wills. I'm convinced that a true Prophet of God won't set out to become one. In fact, they won't likely even expect it.

This is my own opinion, though, and of course I could be wrong.

Study to Show Yourself Approved

So if we can't trust the teachings of any man to be the infallible and inspired Truth, what must we do? We must ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment to guide us into all Truth as we carefully study His Word for ourselves, to protect us from any heresies professed by men whether willingly or otherwise. This is noble in the sight of God, as were the Bereans:

And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:10-11)

The noble Bereans weren't about to be deceived by wrong teachings. Though they received the word with all readiness of mind, they would nevertheless search the scriptures to confirm what they were taught.

Again:

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:26-27)

I believe there are some things we should remember in learning the Truth by studying the Word of God:

1. Pray the Holy Spirit of God will lead you into the Truth in His Word.
2. Be willing to forsake whatever you've been led to believe in favor of the Truth.
3. "Wipe the slate clean" of the questionable or controversial teachings of others.
4. Believe only what the scriptures clearly and explicitly state; make no assumptions.
5. Search out and carefully examine all scriptures on any topic to get the full picture.

Otherwise, you might be believing a doctrine of devils!

Scriptures Against False Evangelism

The following Bible exerpts are from the authorized King James Version:

(Acts 20.29-30) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

(1 Corinthians 1:10) ...that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

(2:2) For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified.

(4:6-7) ...that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another?..

(2 Corinthians 2:17) For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God...

(11:3) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

(11:13-15) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

(Galatians 1:7) ...but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

(1:9) ...If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

(2:4) And that because of false bretheren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage...

(Ephesians 4:14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive...

(5:6) Let no man deceive you with vain words...

(Philippians 1:27) ...that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

(2:2) ...that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

(3.18-19) (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame...

(Colossians 2:8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit; after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

(1 Timothy 4:1-3) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocristy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;...

(2 Timothy 2:15-16) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings...

(3:5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away.

(13:9) Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines...

(2 Peter 1:20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

(2 Peter 2:1) 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.

(1 John 2:18) ...and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

(2:23) Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father...

(2.26-27) These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

[Pamela Jones]

OHHHHH!
Thank you so much , brother for this fine word of truth....I totally agree with your thought and truth that the Holy Spirit indeed taught you.
You see, I am currently writing a book on this topic.
The groanings in my spirit. for this book, began in 2007. (probably before that but it climaxed then)
I was inundated with prophets and apostles and false teachers everywhere I looked.....it seemed everytime I turned the corner in life....another one would show their ugly head......and I thought....okay, my Lord, ....what are YOU trying to say here......and slowy (welllll more quickly than slowly)......the Spirit started to show me.....and grieve and I found myself grieving also.......then a burning began in my spirit......so I knew I was to write the message on paper.......so I started and the download was crazy!!!
I just could not catch up, sometimes....
But it was good.....
I would hear something on TV and watch the TV evangelists do and say something and I would literally be on the edge of my seat.....listening....and I just dropped my head ......HOW? WHY?....When did this begin?

for example:
I started questioning the teaching----"sowing a financial seed"
Everywhere I turned....someone was pleading for money..money...money....
Statements of"sow a seed" in this ministry and God must grant you your desires..."do you want new houses, new cars, $$$$ overturned in bank account????
"Just sow a seed in the ministry and God will grant you what you want"
SUCH FALSE TEACHING!
I couldn't talk to my friends cause they were buying into this teaching too.....so I stuck with my knowing and started to write.
Another Canadian pastor on TV said to her followers,
"MONEY IS THE ANSWER TO EVERYTHING"
"NOW SAY IT WITH ME, ALL OF YOU, SAY IT...SAY IT...COME ON...IF YOU DON'T SAY IT THEN YOU REALLY DON'T HAVE FAITH...NOW SAY IT!...SAY IT!"
I sat on the edge of my seat and when the cameras went onto the audience, I said under my breath...."don't say it, don't say it, cause you do not want that confession from your mouth."
TOO LATE....ALL THE FOLLOWERS YELLED ...AMENS AND PRAISE THE LORDS...."
I sat shaking my head.....wht have they done?
And we wonder why our lives are filled with confusion and disillusion and despair......

DON"T get me into it!

We should talk more.........

pamela

[Theresa]

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people... (2Peter 1:21 - 2:1)

God is not our puppet to be used to our own glory!

Thanks Terry for this awesome truth you presented here again.
God bless you! Amen.

[Terry Scerine]

You got it, Buddy. Here goes with some scriptures:
Ge 49:14 Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens
Maybe that's not the verse I'm looking for. I only see one word there that might describe me. :))
Here's some more:
Ge 30:18 And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.
1Ch 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
I think this last verse is probably the one Jewel was referencing. Too cool. I'm very honored by it, for sure, but I know that what I write is given to me.

Jewel, thank you again.

[felixpadua]

hey terry, when you find the eyes of the "sons of Issachar", please share it with me too.

[Terry Scerine]

Okay, Jewel, now I have to look up this "sons of Issachar" thing. That's one thing I really love about you, you know so much rich stuff that I still don't know about. God bless you for your comment! Love you, Ter

[Julie Jernigan]

Terry, what an awesome post! And SO full of scripture! I think it is an absolutely right on, right now word for the body of Christ. You have "sons of Issachar" eyes. May the whole body be exhorted by this timely post!
Thank-you for sharing it.
Jewel

[Terry Scerine]

And I'm confident that if you pray for them, they will be yours as well Barbara. Thank you for being such a great friend!

[Terry Scerine]

Ah, that's great! Thank you both, Charles and LT, for more wonderful confirmation. LT, your confirmation warmed my soul, as your opinions are important to me. And Charles, those 2 John verses - I had totally forgotten about them. They are so powerful and unmistakeable that I am going to take the liberty to add them to the post, to your credit. Excellent!

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

[LT]

Greetings Terry,

An excellent word of wisdom and truth.

Thanks for sharing it. BTW, know (which you already do) that no matter what you say, some one will find an angle to attack it. If it is truth, it will stand the test of the attack and stand tall all on its own merits, but God's Word stands every time.

Lord Bless,
LT

[Charles Burwell]

Brother Terry

About treating ' masquerading christians ' as brothers , John gives us a warning in
2 John 9- 11 - "Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ , he has both the Father and the Son.

10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, RECEIVE HIM NOT INTO YOUR HOUSE, NEITHER BID HIM GOD SPEED;

11) For he that bids him God speed IS PARTAKER OF HIS EVIL DEEDS.

I believe that that kind of underscores your idea about witnessing to them as unbelievers. I think the time has passed for 'burning them at the stake' , as some seem to imply , but we also have a responsibility to disprove their ' unsound doctine'. Just a thought I had after reading your comment.

God bless you.