Saints, my ministry is two-fold. One, I believe the Lord has called me to show believers that we are in the End times and how close we are to the Rapture and Tribulation. This is meant only to wake people up and spur them on to live more holy lives with purpose.
The second mission connects with the first. It is to warn believers against false doctrine, theology, teachers and deceptions that will, at best, make you unfruitful in your walk with the Lord, and at worse, lead you to hell. Yes, a "believer" can end up in hell. Demons are in hell and they believe.
Jesus answered them, Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error].For many will come in (on the strength of) My name appropriating the name which belongs to Me], saying, I am the Christ (the Messiah), and they will lead many astray. Matthew 24:4-5
I left the Amplified additions in the above verse to show you that Jesus is not just talking about people claiming to be the Messiah. He's talking about people claiming to come in His Name. These are pastors, bible Teachers, church leaders, prophets.. anyone claiming to be speaking for Him. Think about that.
But the Holy Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared cauterized, 1 Timothy 4:1-2
Beware of the following churches! Let me preface it by saying that not everyone who attends these churches or is a part of the ministry is not saved. I believe there are truly born again Christians even in the Catholic church, though not many. This is only meant as a warning and a way for you to examine your own congregation.
Entertainment Driven Church - This is the church with the huge stage up front, the flashing lights, the concerts, the special effects, etc. The building is set up more like a movie theater where the pastor, choir and others are the entertainers and the people are the audience. The leaders of the church focus mostly on drawing in the crowd and keeping them entertained than disciplining believers.
Affirmation only Church - This church's sole purpose is to make its congregants feel good about themselves. There's little talk about sin, punishment, consequences or self-denial. Instead there's much talk about God's love and acceptance.
Progressive Church - This church is hip and modern. They accept everyone, including transgenders, homosexuals, fornicators. They preach that God loves everyone and the Grace He offers doesn't require any repentance. To be holy or try to live a life pleasing to God is legalism and will send you to hell. This is the compromised church. The church that offers a no-cost Gospel
Legalistic Church - this church follows a set of rules. These rules can include church attendance, tithing, ministry, volunteering, etc. If you don't follow the rules, then you aren't saved. There's little grace in this church. Normally, this is a church that requires membership, that keeps track of when you attend and what you give. They emphasize doing things for Jesus rather than getting to know Him
Prosperity - God wants you to be healthy, wealthy and wise. He wants you to live your best life now. It's all about you! Sermons are centered around You and your happiness and not around Jesus.
Silent - This is a church that never preaches anything controversial. There is no mention of hell or sin or even heaven. It's more a social club than a church that focuses on self-improvement, finances, and marriage and family issues.
NAR - political church. New Apostolic Reformation. This church is all about getting involved in politics and taking back the country and world for Jesus. Their sermons are about winning elections, pushing Satan back from various elements of society and charging forward for the Lord to win the world, expand the church, and make converts. At face value, it may seem good and Godly, but their focus is not on Jesus and on getting to know Him. If they did, they would realize that He never commissioned us to conquer the world, but rather to make disciples one by one. Jesus has zero interest in politics or political solutions.
Hyper-charismatic - This church focuses on emotions. It emphasizes miracles and signs and wonders over the mundane and difficult parts of discipleship. The people attending this church seek the next supernatural experience instead of being willing to do the hard work in the trenches with Jesus. Jesus chastised the people in his time of only looking for a sign. Yes, God still preforms miracles, but not for our entertainment... miracles happen for the salvation of the Lost and to increase our own faith so we can evangelize more effectively!
Calvinism - Calvinism is a false doctrine that says that before God created the Earth or mankind, He chose certain people to go to heaven and others to go to hell. There's nothing these people can do about His choice. It's set in stone. They do not believe in the sinner's prayer or even evangelizing because if someone is going to be saved, they will be saved. This is not the Jesus of the Bible. This is a different Jesus and a different Gospel. Unfortunately this teaching has become very popular in these last days.
There are probably more I could list. Leave a comment if another type comes to mind.
So, what makes a good church?
To me, a good church's sole focus is on Jesus. I don't care if there is any band or worship team. I'd much rather sit around with a group of people and just sing praise songs to Jesus from my heart. A good church allows everyone to use their God-given gifts and calling to edify the entire body. There should be no distinction between the pastor/leader and the people attending. As Paul aptly describes in his letters, some are called to teach, others to prophesy, others to tongues, others to interpretations, others to administration, others to mercy...etc.. We ALL have a gift to use in the church. The modern congregational church only allows the pastor and worship team to control the service. Everyone else just watches. This is not how our Lord wants His Body to operate.
A good church calls out sin for what it is. They do not tolerate someone in the church living in willful sin who is not willing to repent. Sin and repentance are part of the sermons, along with God's love, grace, and mercy. A good church focuses on disciplining people to grow in their walk with the Lord. The focus is always on Jesus and getting to know Him more intimately and personally. A good church allows the Holy Spirit to guide and direct the service, not the bulletin or timing of events. A good church warns its people about deception, talks about end times, and preaches about the Lord's soon return.
Can you think of other things that should characterize a good church?
Hello Sister in Christ,
ReplyDeleteVery thorough elaboration on false churches. I would agree that any church that has these features should make true Believers wonder if they are the Devil’s followers disguised as convincingly genuine Christians.
The example I still remember vividly is the one where you revealed a video of a supposedly active Church glorifying Trump by publicly painting his image on a canvass with seemingly godly music and the cheering commotion from the crowd. I am in a way thankful that I was never a regular churchgoer, which I will expand below.
Other than occasionally going to some church sessions, I have taught myself how to follow the Lord mainly based on the Bible, especially the most popular Scriptures. I should say that it was coming across your blog earlier this year that I felt the biggest transformation as in I now know a lot more about God’s plans and how to connect the dots in regards to all the current signs and evil.
I would also say that a true genuine God-loving Church should have the basic fundamentals of worshipping the Lord, encouraging fellowship among Believers, and considering everyone family. However, I know that is totally rare, considering how there are “Believers” who attend church regularly and then revert back to committing crimes and mistreating others once they step outside the church. In view of this, I can bet that if I were to go to Church again, there is a 99% chance I would be ignored/secretly resented or hated, and if people do acknowledge me, they would not take me seriously as in engage in sincere conversation and offering to keep in touch without me asking. Please understand Sister that this is not due to pessimism, but from personal experience that is unforgettable, but yet I am also thankful because I feel it was all God’s divine plan to ultimately bring all my focus and love on Him. I believe this was to warn me about the evil ways of the world, which I now know too well and constantly trust that the Lord will destroy them very soon and restore the true glory and beauty.
I had a thought about the Two Witnesses: I heard speculation that Elijah and Moses may be them, and that when that time comes, God may temporarily give them mortal bodies again and send them to Earth to carry out this task. After the prophesying is complete, they will be killed and be resurrected after the three days. Do you believe this could be true or could they be two random true Believers with very special distinctions as determined by God?
Have a great day Sister and Blessings from a Brother in Christ.
Greetings Brother! I completely understand your feelings and opinions about church, at least the kind that occurs in most regular church buildings. I call them congregational churches. My guess is that over half the people attending are either not saved or are very carnal Christians. So, if the Lord ever leads you to try out a church, just be on your guard and ask the Lord to protect you from those who would do you harm. I'm sure there are a few in each church who would welcome you and love you as a brother in Christ, but finding them can be difficult. That's one of the reasons I no longer attend church.
DeleteRegarding the two witnesses. Yes, I tend to believe they are Elijah and Moses or some say Elijah and Enoch, since both those men never died but were raptured. Yet for some reason the devil wanted Moses's body also after his death, which leads me to think Moses will need it later! Regardless, if you look at the plagues these two men call down on the Earth, they mimic exactly the plagues both Moses and Elijah brought down on Earth. So, no. I do not think these two witnesses will be random believers.
Blessings!
Greetings Holy Messenger of God,
ReplyDeleteI know many modern churches subtly teach or endorse things that are not of God, and it can be hard to notice especially when people are too absorbed by the “warmth” that they bring. Especially in these times when literally no one should be trusted, and demons are hiding everywhere just waiting for a provocative moment to reveal themselves, going to church and say if someone personally gives their testimony, that person may have just unwittingly given away personal details that could used for God-knows-what.
This may be uncommon, but not impossible considering how capable, deceptive, and manipulative AI and social media are. This may be something to consider in addition to those you posted.
I remember your story of how your grown kids asked that you not mention God, so you stopped bringing up the topic to them. I still struggle with the thought that even though unbelieving family members will be left behind, would they still be saved during the Tribulation, as in God will perform some divine intervention, miracle, or even appearance to finally make them believe and accept Him? I tend to believe that if we constantly and fervently pray for them, God will protect them and ensure that they have finally accepted Jesus before passing. As much as I want to have faith in this area, I also felt the need for 100% reassurance to have complete relief. This is also I want to experience the Millennium with family as if we are continuing our lives prior to the Tribulation but in a world in which 98-99% of sin and evil are reduced. What are your thoughts on this?
I recently read a Christian article saying that this week is a High-Watch week because if one counts the 2520-day Tribulation period, this would lead to dates in September 2032, when Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot all take place. The article goes on to say that if we wait any longer as in days, that may mean it is almost certain we will have to go into 2026 and the firm belief of 2025 still being the prophesied Rapture year may be refuted. It suggests that Fall 2026 (around Halloween if I remember the date they put) may be the start of the Tribulation, with the Feast of New Wine (July 23) being a possible Rapture date with a 100-day gap. This is tempting to think that 2033 may actually be the Crucifixion and Resurrection year and that around Good Friday may divinely mark those pivotal moments.
I do not want to settle on dates, but I felt the need to ask about this because I seriously pray that the Lord will save us very soon. With the President now even calling for the release of Epstein files which we all know is certainly incriminating, I feel this could be another sign of evil approaching. Could this be another stunt considering how they would never give in easily without a real fight?
Regardless, I still trust that the Lord will save us at the perfect time and even if we do have to wait for another year, I trust He will keep us safe in the meantime.
Take care and stay strong in the Lord! Many Blessings!
Greetings!! I agree, we must be careful what we say and who we say it to, even in church, The devil has infiltrated most churches and has put his people hidden there.
DeleteRegarding lost family members. I used to be like you years ago stressing and worrying about my lost loved ones. I would have anxiety attacks, picturing them in hell, etc. Then I went to the Bible and I read it from cover to cover and I copied every verse in which God promised salvation to family members, descendants, etc. You'd be surprised how many there are. Then I recited those every day for years. I asked the Lord to confirm His promise to me and give me peace in this area. And He has! I no longer worry about my loved ones. I pray for them. I fast for their salvation. I continue to remind the Lord of His promises.. and I look for any opportunity to share with them about the Lord. Then I rest in Him, in His love, and His faithfulness. I hope that helps!
Regarding dates and timelines and watch times. I am no longer looking at any of that. To be honest, I've been doing this for 8 years now.. and I'm sick to death of all the prophecies and dreams and dates! All they seem to do is cause confusion and disappointment and frustration. Instead, I'm putting my focus on Jesus and growing closer to Him and being ready for His return. I'm also looking at all the signs exploding around us and there are a ton! Do I think we are leaving soon? Yes. But I'm not looking at dates or months or years anymore. There are plenty of other sites and you tube channels doing that and I don't fault anyone who wants to keep up with high watch times. But the Lord is calling me off of that for now. I'm just watching, waiting, praising, and clinging to Jesus!
Blessings!
Greetings Fearless Sister of Truth !
ReplyDeleteNow you know Sister you are bringing up a subject thats weighs heavily on my heart. I experienced these type of churches first hand, and when I tried to expose the false teachings, the evil pastor held secret meetings behind close doors telling people who were supposed to be brothers and sisters in Christ all kinds of lies, like I was trying to break up the church ( I was tryin to wake up the church), he put a watch one me at the doors( lol, how rediculous, I wanted nothing to do with that church anymore), he said he put me out of the church ( I told him I could no longer agree with the false teachings, gave him back the keys, in front of an elder).
This, to me was how a politician would act if caught speaking un truth ! Believe it or not, some churches actually teach the church leadership to react this way. To counter any question of their authority by diverting an accusation or blame toward you. They will clean up their mess, and hush the truth.
The church I was in was a mixed bag of these various churches you mention and a few more. Entertainment, Affirmation, Hyper Charismatic, and Prosperity. The pastor was very much in control of the whole service, he would often lead the worship. And worship there was to lead you into what they were about to preach. The goal was to achieve experiences to make people feel like they were achieving a higher spiritual level. At the end they would pray for the sick, yet no one was healed, and many would lose their faith and wind up not feeling good enogh id they didnt achieve this level !
And two I'll add to your list:
#1 New thought Which is big on the I Am. They do a lot of, or a mixture of the 4 listed above but add a dash of hinduism. The belief that we are all god's. Part of the cosmos ! That we can speak our thoughts into reality. This aligns somewhat to affirmations, the power of our word. They believe literally that our tongues can speak life and death (which is a metaphor about edifying or hurting someone emotionally).
#2 Word of Faith. Lets not forget their blasphemy ! We are exactly like Jesus, not just a little like, but exactly like Jesus ! God wants you to be rich, and then Copeland will show one of his 100k watches which he brags he own over 75 such watches ! And then he'll tell you he needs you to send him $1,000 right away ! How can people swallow this stuff ???
Yess, Progressive believes the church should evolve as society evolves more and more in our wisdom and knowledge !
New Age which runs under a Christian banner, but if you ask them if they are Christian they will get offended ! They are what I call spiritualists, spiritualism. They use tarrot cards, weegie boards, congering etc.
I had a short conversation with my friend who joined my xchurch. The subject came up about revivals. I have seen many clips of mega churches with large crowds of folks who appear to be worshipping. I beive most if not all are AI enhanced. And even if these folks do assume a posture of worship, what are they worshipping. I believe if there is to be revivals it will be in the small church who preach the Gospel at every sermon. Small groups that meet in homes, have bible studies, where one person might show up with a guitar, and eveyone sings off key, but know one notices !
Continued ; Oh, and lets not forget our friend Brian Simmons. We now he is obscurely connected to Bill Johnsons NAR, which uses Simmons bible TPT.
DeleteSimmons is in a world of his own. I truly believe he is on the magic mushrooms. Now people will say, oh oh, Joe gone off the deep end now. But I grew up in the 70's, so I know first hand the signs of someone on drugs !
Now Simmons teaches, we can attain the Glory. He means it. And we are in the Trinity.
So I'll ask the question: if we are part of the Trinity, who gets the worship today? Do we worship each other? Who raises the dead, do we take turns.
Who is willing to be punched, and whipped, have a crown of thorns pounded down onto his head, who will place himself on th cross today. Who's turn is it to sacrifice himself, for the sins of the world, having in themselves no sin ?
Is anyone worthy ? Only Jesus is.
Jesus, our Lord and Master, Creator, Healer, Provider ans our Precious Savior. To Him be Glory and honor foreveer and ever !
Oh yes, Brother, I expected a huge comment from you, plus a few more church examples. The Lord has empowered you to be a warrior against these false churches and doctrines! It's your calling. Those are great additions. Word of Faith, New Age, and the I AM Church. I'm so sorry you were so mistreated by your X-pastor! It absolutely blows my mind that there are pastors like that. Do they even know Jesus at all?
DeleteYes, it's all about an experience these days... what a shame.
And Simmons. UGH. Good questions. I'm guessing no one would sign up for the crucifixion part. What blasphemy! I'm with you on the home church, Brother. Wish I could find one here.
Praise be to our Lord and King, the One and Only Son of the Living God. Jesus!
Ya know Sister, When I left the Pentecostal Church, where my old friend was Pastor, he had handed the pastoral position over to his son. The son had many gifts from God, and he could preach an awesome word with great insight. Problem was he was extremely arrogant and a bully toward the weak. And he was a thief, stole from his father. I was not weak so we never got along, and the old Pastor knew it, and knew his son was that way.
DeleteAfter I left the church because of the way he treated his Dad, the old Pastor and I would travel all around and go to lunch somewhere and the Beautiful Pastor would just grab the waitresses hand as we blessed the food. One time we were just ready to pray, and the Pastor, who had huge hands, looked at the waitress and asked, will you pray with us, she shook her head yes, and we held her hands and as soon as Pastor started to pray, she fell immediately down on her knees. I dont know who was blessed more, the girl or us !!! He always did stuff like that. He was so full of the Holy Ghost people were attracted to him. We were driving and talking one day about the church, and he asked, well Joe, what we would do now that I had left. Just then we drove by a car dealership and there was a full size bus camper, very sharply painted. We both followed it with our eyes as we drove past. I glanced over at him and said: can you imagine that with one of those humongous annoncement speakers on top. We actually thought seriously about this for a while. The Gospel Bus, was one of the names we thought of ! Well his health was dwindling, so we never got that off the ground. It would have worked. He such a compasionate man of God, a big old burly guy, with mits like a lions paw, fearless and gentle all at once.
If he could see me on my bus, I'm sure he'd be proud.
He was the one who Baptized me and sent me down the road to Jesus. In those early days there were Bible studies at everyones homes. Simple, but powerful workings of the Holy Spirit. And there was joy unspeakable in the fellowship of the brethren!
I cant even imagine how he would feel about these churches today.
Sorry, had to say all that, but those were the day of revival. Blessed is the name of the Lord.