False Prophets

[mdulin2004]

Beware of Fading Fools and False Prophets

"Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!" (Ezekiel 13:3)

Interestingly enough, the word translated as "foolish" in the verse above is the Hebrew word nabal once again, which, as you can see, is being associated to "prophets".

The connection between "fading-fools" and "false prophets" is also strengthened by Isaiah 32:6, where the Lord declares that these fools are workers of iniquity, which points to Matthew chapter 7, where the Lord first speaks about "false prophets" (Matthew 7:15-20) and then speaks about "workers of iniquity" (Matthew 7:21-23).

Let us now turn to Matthew 7:15-23.

Exactly who are these fools, then? They are false prophets, and, as we shared in a previous article, false prophets are very common throughout the Body of Christ, and are well-respected by most "mainstream" Christians. As we shared in that previous article, false prophets promote mental peace and emotional peace with God, but do not see the importance of having "peace of wills" (or "peace of the hearts") with God.

Preachers of temporality

According to our "retranslation" of Isaiah 32:6 shown above, these fools do two things:

1. They declare fading-foolishness 2. Their hearts fashion iniquity

To understand item number one above, we have to go to a passage in Scripture where the Hebrew word 'nabal', which we translated as "fading-fool", is used:

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool." (Jeremiah 17:9-11) [The word "fool" at the end of this passage is translated from nabal in Hebrew. Notice also how this passage speaks of "fruits", which corresponds to Matthew 7:18 quoted in the previous section]

According to this passage, a nabal, or "fading-fool", is a person who works to accumulate things and cannot stick around to enjoy them, as a partridge who sits on eggs and doesn't get to see those eggs hatch. This points to another passage in Scripture which speaks of "fools":

"And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:13-21)

This passage implies that a fool is a person who focuses on accumulating earthly things and does not accumulate heavenly things that transcend this life. A fool focuses on building up and enjoying an earthly inheritance and has no notion of the spiritual inheritance that he or she is called to possess. A fool, therefore, is "rich" in a natural sense, but poor in the eyes of God.

When reading the phrase "accumulating earthly things", most believers think of people who are obsessed with having more and more material possessions. Unfortunately, most believers don't seem to realize that the concept of "earthly things" includes "material possessions" but is not limited to it. The phrase "accumulating earthly things" can also refer to people who are focused on living a quiet and comfortable life devoid of sickness, difficulties, and trials, and where one can enjoy the pleasant company of family and friends, grow old in health, and eventually "kick the bucket" and go to a pleasant retirement home they call "Heaven" and continue enjoying a pleasant existence for eternity.

Such people do not believe that there is a spiritual inheritance to be won or lost. As long as they know that their ticket into Heaven is secure, all they care about is making their remaining years on Earth as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

They don't believe in paying a price, in pursuing a prophetic purpose that may involve suffering and heartache, in presenting themselves as living sacrifices before Almighty God so that God's eternal purposes may be fulfilled on Earth through their lives.

Nabal fools are focused on obtaining physical and emotional blessings that do not transcend into eternal harvest. They are focused on temporary things that pass away, and this is the reason why the Hebrew word nabal is related to the word nabel, which means, "to fade away".

According to Isaiah 32:6, the first thing that fading-fools do is "to declare fading-foolishness". This means, therefore, that fading-fools preach a message that gets others to focus on temporary blessings and satisfactions. They actively promote this message, and even "base" it on passages of Scripture to convince the minds of their hearers into thinking that their message is "Scriptural". Their battle cry is "Jesus doesn't want you to suffer; He paid the price so that you might no longer have to suffer; trust Jesus, and you will enjoy a wonderful, pain-free existence". Even though, these words sound true, they strongly contradict Scripture:

"Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." (Acts 9:13-16)

[Notice that God did not offer Paul a life of comfort and pleasure]

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." (Matthew 16:24-27)

[When Jesus told us to "take up our crosses and follow Him", did He mean that He wanted us to take the cross out for a walk? Weren't crosses designed to torture and kill people? By telling us to take up our crosses and follow Him, He is calling us to suffer and die. Notice that Jesus never ever offered the disciples a life of comfort and pleasure. That was man's invention, not God's.]

When the passage above speaks of "losing one's soul" (v26), most believers associate it with the concept of "hell". Even though this is correct at a literal level, the phrase "to lose one's soul" goes much deeper than that, and refers to the loss of one's spiritual inheritance. Why? Because the next verse speaks of the Father "rewarding every man according to his works". Notice that it does not say, and the Father "will allow into Heaven all those who said the sinner's prayer". Please don't misunderstand me. I believe in the "sinner's prayer" and I know that a person can be born-again and be Heaven-bound through a "simple" but sincere prayer of repentance and surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why the phrase "lose his own soul" in verse 26 cannot be taken to be referring to going to hell. Otherwise, the next verse would have spoken of a prayer of conversion. Instead, it speaks of "works" and the spiritual rewards based on "works". These "works", obviously, do not refer to "hours of service at your local church" or to acts of "religious piety". These "works" must be works in faith, not works based on flesh-strength, and are works that are the fruits of a heart yielded to God. As you yield your will to Him, these "works" will flow naturally from you, the way that a branch "automatically" produces fruits as long as it stays "properly attached" to the vine. If you decide to do your own will, the sap from the vine will automatically stop flowing through you, and you will no longer produce these "works" which yield an accumulation of eternal reward. Not doing your own will is what the Lord refers to as "denying yourself" in verse 24 above.

Fading-fools use passages of Scripture taken out of their spiritual context to build up a doctrine that is intended to convince the minds of other believers that it is Scripturally demanded by God that you pursue a life of temporary blessings, thereby ignoring that there is a spiritual inheritance that we are called to fight for in the Spirit:

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12)

If "eternal life" is automatic when we are born-again, why does Paul tell Timothy to fight the good fight of faith and to lay hold on eternal life? It is sad to see how most believers in the Church seem to be unaware of this "eternal life" we are so clearly called to reach for throughout the Scriptures, and this is due to the fact that we have bought into the doctrine preached by fools throughout the Church who focus on temporality, on material and emotional blessings (i.e.- mental and emotional peace) and who ignore God's eternal purposes for us, which can only be reached through a heart that is yielded to Him (i.e.- peace between God's Heart and ours).

Let us now turn to Hebrews 10:30-39.

Fading-fools preach that "judgments" became a thing of the past once we entered "the New Testament era of grace and mercy". Notice, however, that verse 30 above says that "the Lord shall judge His people", referring specifically to believers, not unbelievers.

Fading-fools also preach that the God that deserves fear and reverence died with the Old Testament and that the God of the New Testament is like a kind, long-bearded Santa Claus waiting to give away "goodies" to all believers. Notice, however, that verse 31 above says that it is a "fearful thing" to fall into the hands of the living God, and the author of Hebrews is saying this to believers, not to unbelievers!!!

Obviously, the Bible declares that our God is a loving and giving God, but His love and His giving never deviates from His truth and purpose. God is interested in having you share in His Eternal Glory, more than in you having a nice house or car. Sharing in His Eternal Glory is more important than all the gold in the world.

Notice also how verses 32 through 37 speak of believers suffering in order to receive an enduring, eternal reward. Notice also who verse 38 speaks of the "just living by faith", which is said in the context of suffering for God's sake; fading-fool preachers, however, take these words out of context and apply them to having faith so that God may bless believers in their business, in their personal relationships, in their physical health, etc. The "gospel" of these fading-fools rotates around man's desires, not God's desires; it rotates around the question, "What can I get from God this time?

Woe be unto you, fading-fool pastors, for your "gospel of blessings" is soon to fade away! God has prophesied that He will bring judgments against you, and free His Church from the grips of your hands! Cursed are those who twist the Gospel to their own likings and interests! And cursed are those who stubbornly follow these men and women, because they prefer their temporary comfort over the truth!

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Edited January 5, 2005 by IslandRose

[Guest SarahB]

That's one of the reasons I despise the shows that are on the "Christian" channels where I am. It's all, "Here's how to get rich God's way." and "Here's how to receive what you deserve from God."

It's quite disheartening to see these "men(and women) of God" preaching things that are so out of tune with Christ's message for us.

God bless,

Sarah

[mdulin2004]

Link Deleted

That's one of the reasons I despise the shows that are on the "Christian" channels where I am.

I agree, despise is a strong word, as well am I. I use the word "vexed" by what I see on Christian Broadcasting. I am very disheartened when I am not able to avail myself to so called "ministry" material, because I cannot afford to buy every book and tape marketed by the so called "church". I have called broadcasters and asked for materials for free. I have not received free materials from the more popular ministries but have from some lesser knowns.

Yes, it is very disheartening and vexing. I have literally got down on my knees and cried out to God after watching these so called christian broadcasts. Because what their saying sounds so close to the truth that it is seducing but I can hear God crying out in my spirit, they are lyars! Don't follow them! Follow me!

Thank you for your response. God bless!

Edited January 5, 2005 by IslandRose

[Guest SarahB]

I suppose despise may be a strong word....but I have very strong feelings towards these "ministries" that deceive people into believing that the walk of faith is meant to be easy and that we won't be poor and that we deserve what we ask for. Romans 5:3 and James 1:3 tells us that we go through trials so that we can be strengthened in our faith. The message at my church this morning was actually about this....if we are not tested, our faith is superficial. If we only go through good things, when the bad times come, we turn away from God because we don't understand why He would let those things happen to us. I just weep because of how many people who probably have such a superficial faith because they expect God to give them all kinds of things because these preachers tell them they deserve it. I pray that these men and women mean well, and they're not trying to take people away from the Truth. But I certainly believe that the devil is alive and well within the Body of Christ and that he works quite hard to have people believe in those things. And then, when they face trials, instead of being like Job and praising God even through the suffering, they turn away because they think God has left them or that He doesn't love them, etc.

Anyway...I hope that made sense and I wasn't rambling too much. It's late.

[mdulin2004]

I suppose despise may be a strong word....

Not that I think it is too strong, because I don't. We should have strong feelings about such things and I thank God for your faithfulness.

Yes, it is hard to believe that these deceivers can actually be doing these things intentionally, but the bible tells us that their God is their belly and they are enemies of the Cross of Christ.

These so called believers, despise SUFFERING. Christ was our perfect example, and the bible says that as Christ suffered, we should arm ourselves likewise. As followers of Jesus, we should expect suffering and shame, not wealth and fame. May God have mercy on his people. God bless! Thanks again!

[mdulin2004]

INTERESTING ARTICLE ON PAUL CROUCH

Friday, December 31, 2004

Subject: Paul Crouch of TBN preaching mammon gospel

Time: 6:26:00 PM EST

Author: hurricaneeddy

I just finished watching a Bible Study by Paul Crouch on TBN. Guess what the study was about? If you guessed about how to become wealthy and prosperous, then you're right (the title probably helped).

Mr. Crouch did a quick study (10 minutes) on King Hezekiah. You can do a complete study on him here: http://www.geocities.com/thekingsofisrael/...y_Hezekiah.html

Mr. Crouch started this study by talking about how King Hezekiah reformed the religion and Temple (he failed to mention that the wickedness of the previous king caused great trouble for all of Israel). Mr. Crouch then went on and on about all the sacrifices that King Hezekiah and the people of Isreal made. He emphasized the sacrifice was important and given to the Levites (priests, or Paul Crouch).

He then went on to talk about King Hezekiah's battle for freedom. Instead of emphasizing that God was with Israel and delivered them because of obedience, Mr. Crouch emphasized the sacrifice made by the King and the people. He then talks about how God delivers people out of trouble who give HIM sacrifices (money in today's generation).

Then, Mr. Crouch points out that God saved King Hezekiah from death because of his sacrifices that he made to the Temple and priests of God. He then reads 2 Chronicles 32:27-30 about how Hezekiah prospered in all his works, leaving out the part about Hezekiah becoming full of pride and the wrath of God coming upon him causing him to humble himself.

Everything Mr. Crouch said was true. It was all in the Bible, the Word of God. But Mr. Crouch did not tell everything about King Hezekiah. Mr. Crouch did not mention how Hezekiah had to humble himself before the Lord. He did not mention that obedience is more important than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22 and many, many other places in the Bible). He did not mention how the riches and success of King Hezekiah caused him to become full of pride after he was healed of his disease.

Mr. Crouch was only focused on King Hezekiah's sacrifices, earthly riches, and honor. If anyone watching that Bible Study did not know all the details about King Hezekiah, they would believe that God blessed the King greatly because he gave sacrifices tothe Temple and priests. They would then conclude that sacrifice is how to become successful in the world. Then, they would send some money to Paul Crouch, who talked about donating a small amount of his own money to help the people in Asia. That small amount was $100,000. What does he consider a lot of his own money, if 100,000 dollars is a small amount?

The whole point of Paul Crouch's message was to get people to sacrifice their own money to today's Temple priests (Paul Crouch). He then preached on how sacrificing leads to blessings with riches and honor.

This lukewarm Christian teaching makes me sick. According to Revelation 3:15-22; it makes YAHSHUA (Jesus Christ) sick too, so sick that HE will "throw up" the Christians envolved in this mammon gospel. What does Jesus Christ say for people envolved in this lukewarm faith to do? REPENT (Revelation 3:19) What is the entire Gospel of Jesus Christ about? Repentance! (Matthew 4:17) What did the prophets of the Old Testament preach? Repentance! What did John the Baptist preach? Repentance! (Matthew 3:2) What did the Apostles preach? Repentance! (Acts 2:38)

Moses, the prophets, John the Baptist, the Apostles, and YAHSHUA (Jesus Christ) also preached obedience is better than sacrifice. If you love God, then you will obey HIM (John 14:15).

Also the whole point of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that we can be reunited with God for eternity. It's not about how to think positive and make money with honor. Our teasures are in Heaven, not things of the earth that will pass away.

I wrote about a week ago about a false prophecy that said sacrifice was the way into Heaven. Well, sacrifice is not the way into Heaven, nor is it the way to prosper on the earth. Faith in YAHSHUA (Jesus Christ) is the way into Heaven, and those who love HIM will obey HIM (John 14:15).

Preaching a half truth like Mr. Crouch did tonight is just as bad as preaching a lie. If he really wanted to talk about King Hezekiah, then he should have given himself more time to go into all the details, not just the ones that are about sacrifice, riches, and honor.

Nevertheless, I am thankful for the work Paul Crouch has done. I enjoy some of the TBN movies, and some of the preachers on there. I'm just disappointed that he is not using his powerto preach a message that needs to be heard, and that message is "Repent: Jesus Christ is Coming this Generation!" The singing, dancing, sacrificing for God, praising, and worshipping God is all great, but if that becomes the main topics in church, then where is the meat of God's Word going to come from? God desires that our hearts be humble and repentant first.

Written by hurricaneeddy Jesus is Coming in this Generation!

[mdulin2004]

Even if Paul Crouch may have done some good things,

Edited January 5, 2005 by IslandRose

[Arthur Durnan]

One is entirely justified in being extremely wary of charismatic televangelists & their major thrust for MONEY in every which way. Swaggart, Crouch, Baker, Allen, Roberts, Popoff, Hinn, Youngren, etc. - with a little bit of "heavenly gibberish thrown in - all tend to underscore MONEY to be sent to their mailing addresses. And in practically all instances, their entire programs center on ONE PERSON ONLY: THEMSELVES as star attractions! How unlike the Master!

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

[stillwaters]

Thanks for the link....Prophecy Watcher.

[Trinity]

TBN is evil! is a whold bunch of junk...