THE PESTILENCE IS HERE
It’s deadly. If you are not careful, you’ll be infected. Do not have contact with those infected. Otherwise you may become a “spreader.” But this Pestilence is not Coronavirus. It’s much more destructive. If you get it, you’re doomed for sure. You are especially at risk in churches. But you can even get it online...live streaming, zooming or on social media. Jesus even warned us about it...
“...the disciples came...saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the Sign of Your Coming, and of the End of the Age? ’And Jesus answered and said to them: ‘Take heed that no one Deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will Deceive many.’ ”
The first Sign of the End Times is this: an Age of Deception. And the greatest Deceivers will come in the name of Christ. They will present themselves as representing Christ Himself...albeit “another Christ,’ a false Christ. They will be Imposters. Counterfeits. Charlatans. Vessels of Dishonor. They will build churches and ministries on faulty foundations...and set the world on fire. Their popularity will explode on the scene...and cause many to be shipwrecked in their walk with Jesus. Make no mistake about it. They are here already...the Pestilence has been released...the Spiritual Pandemic is on.
Deception does not come through the mouth of a red-tailed, horn-headed ugly beast speaking absurdities. That wouldn’t be “Deceptive.” That would be obvious. We are to look for messengers and messages that appear to be godly, righteous, logical, sensible and edifying...but miss the mark. Ones that get close, but ultimately fail the perfect standard of judgment: the Word of God. His Truth does not change from culture to culture, generation to generation or person to person. In order to disguise their guile, False prophets, False teachers and Deceivers will use 99% Truth...infected with 1% Heresy. The message will be enticing and appealing...but the 1% Virus will bring eventual destruction. The Word of God warns us...
“For such are False apostles, Deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”
We’ve encountered many at the DSM Bible Schools. Pastors and Ministry Leaders spouting cunningly devised False messages of hope, prosperity, breakthroughs and promises that tickle ears, titillate the flesh and claim to “simply encourage” people. Many are devious, crafty conmen. Some are simply ignorant, undisciplined, undiscerning followers of such men. Repeating things not tested against the Word of God, nor confirmed by the counsel of the Holy Spirit.
In the Bible Schools, we handle False prophets and teachers in a graceful but forthright manner: Instruction, Counsel, Prayer and Godly Encouragement in equal measure. Then we look for the Fruit in them: Receptive to correction, Repentant, Reformed and Reconciled with God. Without which we ultimately move to Removal. Either of ourselves or themselves. We don’t continue in fellowship with those who continue promoting Deceptions: False doctrines, False prophesies or False promises. And if we can maintain that standard in the Bible Schools, in a witchcraft infected slum environment, how much more should we be able to enforce that Biblical standard here?
There is a world famous “prophet” in East Africa whose influence reached to the pinnacle of governmental, social and ecclesiastical heights during the past 15 years. He is a local Kenyan, but his influence has been felt worldwide. For 15+ years, I have stood resolutely opposed to his Deceptive teachings, carnal enticements and consistently False prophesies. Much of that time I have stood alone. Mocked, deliberately mischaracterized, publicly assaulted. I never relished in the persecution. Rather, it disturbed me deep in my soul, caused me to question myself and assaulted my foundation in the Word of God. By God’s grace alone I persevered and stood the testing. I wasn’t just standing against a False prophet...I was opposing a tremendously popular tribal and political icon.
Just this past year the vindication came. The False prophet was exposed for his Heresies, his Thieveries and his False prognostications, ironically, by the coronavirus “pandemic.” Everything he said would happen did not, every cure he promoted failed, and every prophesy he proclaimed fell to the ground. The people’s eyes were opened as never before...and he is now a mere footnote in long list of local spiritual Deceivers.
If it can happen there so easily and often, what makes us think it’s any different here? It’s not. To think we are a “smarter” or “more discerning” church or culture or society is sheer folly. Let’s remember a recent blunder of epic proportions. Just two months ago there were 30+ popular “prophets” publicly “declaring” that Donald Trump would prevail in the contested election results. They professed to have heard “from the Lord” in visions, dreams and revelations. Many were well known “ministers” with hordes of social media followers. Men and women in popular pulpit ministries INSIDE THE CHURCH! How can this be?! How can we miss the magnitude of this Immoral Invasion and Infection in our midst?! We’ve been expressly warned in advance...
“Now the Holy Spirit explicitly says that in Latter Times some will depart from the Faith, giving heed to Deceiving spirits and Doctrines of demons.”
Many who applaud our Biblical handling of False prophets and False teachers in the Bible Schools shun that very standard in their own churches, society and social circle. “Grossly Negligent” would be an understated evaluation of such aberrant inaction. “Scandalous”, “Hypocritical” and “Suicidal” might be more accurate. I know not one False prophet/teacher in North America being called on the carpet. Certainly not Publicly...where the offense occurred and where the correction eventually needs to be pronounced, applied and enforced. God has not changed His holy standard...
‘But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have Not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. ’...when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does Not happen or does Not come to pass, then that is the thing which the Lord has Not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall Not be afraid of him.
But the “church” certainly does seem to fear confronting such False ministers. “Faith Healers” have been allowed to hide from the public during the health pandemic. With no shame and no consequences! “Prophets” have been permitted to pander False political predictions...and then continue unscathed in their reputation and popularity. “Teachers” have proclaimed political correctness, philosophies of man and virtue signaling from the pulpits...and seen their ministries flourish!
The Age of Deception is here. Forget the politicians. Forgo anguishing over Coronavirus. The Spiritual Infection is much more insidious and endemic. Our Focus has been shifted...by deliberate Deceptive design. Our eyes are on things of this world. Our hearts are enraptured with Self-preservation. And the Deceivers are having a feast...eating sheep.
We will continue to raise up shepherds at the Bible Schools. In the midst of tremendous restrictions, political pressures, societal chaos and medical catastrophes....over 260 Pastors & Ministry Leaders are currently attending the DSM Bible Schools. They are forging ahead against the grain. On the narrow path that leads to Righteousness. As shepherds, they are admonished to minister to the flock. This includes exercising Godly Discernment, detecting Deceptions, and Protecting the sheep. Not coddling, but rather Exposing the Hirelings, Wolves, False Teachers, False Prophets and Deceivers that abound in our generation.
Let’s open our eyes, ears and hearts...to recognize the Spiritual Pestilence in our midst. And respond Courageously without Compromise. Before it’s too late.
