keeping a watchful eye on the wolves

discernment

Wolves with Feathers

Fake (or demonic) Glory Feather Cloud from an “Apostolic and Prophetic” ministry

“Look at the feathers, man! Look at the feathers!” (52 seconds in video)

Read more about this here:

http://mywordlikefire.com/2015/05/22/fake-or-demonic-glory-feather-cloud-from-an-apostolic-and-prophetic-ministry/


Unequally Yoked

No laughing matter . . .


Why Impostors Love the Church

Why Impostors Love the Church

Russell Moore

MOORE to the POINT

www.russellmoore.com

Recently I read a book that kept me awake a couple of nights. It was about “Clark Rockefeller,” and the scare quotes are important. The man was neither “Clark” nor “Rockefeller.” He was a German immigrant who crafted an identity as an heir of one of America’s wealthiest dynasties. He married, fathered a child, and was involved in fraud, theft, and maybe even murder. And no one ever knew, until the very end.

What made me squirm was that fact that the fake Rockefeller’s inroad to all his deception were churches and relationships, particularly with women. He would make the connections he needed in local congregations, and he would charm the women there. At the same time, he would parasitically imitate the men, watching and mirroring back to them their convictions and opinions, even the inflections of their voices. But, behind all of that, there was nothing real but a predatory appetite.

The New Testament warns us, of course, about spiritual impostors. Sometimes these “wolves” are there to introduce subtly false doctrine. But, just as often, it seems, these spiritual carnivores hold to true doctrine, at least on the surface. But they use this doctrine and service for predatory ends.

More here:

http://www.christianresearchservice.com/why-impostors-love-the-church/


Flock or Pack?

For the many misguided sheep who still cannot discern whether these men belong to the flock or the pack… the following might be very helpful:

The fruit of Brian “Head” Welch
http://www.reflectionsfromthewall.net/my-reflections/the-fruit-of-brian-head-welch

Brian Head Welch and Todd Bentley
https://thelasthiker.wordpress.com/2015/02/16/brian-head-welch-and-todd-bentley-calvary-chapel-says-hes-not-backing-those-dudes-really/


What Sheep should know about “Holy” Laughter

14 Concerns About “Holy” Laughter and the “Laughing Revival”

(1) There is no biblical precedent for “holy” laughter.
Laughter is rarely mentioned in the Bible. Yet, when it is, the Bible seems to make more of a case for holy sorrow than for “holy” laughter. Scripture supports Solomon’s contention that “sorrow is better than laughter.” It does not support the present “laughing revival.”

(2) Substituting the word joy for laughter is a non sequitur. It is inaccurate and misleading.
There is no scriptural authority for equating biblical references to joy with the involuntary manifestations of “holy” laughter. Just because there are insufficient Bible texts to make the case for “holy” laughter, it does not follow that you can simply redefine the word laughter by substituting the word joy.

(3) “Holy” laughter advocates rarely, if ever, discuss the need to test the spirits.
The Bible warns us that not every supernatural manifestation is necessarily from God. 1 John 4:1 says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Charles and Francis Hunter write in their book Holy Laughter, “Once you begin to walk in the supernatural you really have to be ready for anything and everything and never question the way God does it!”

Find out more here:

FALSE REVIVAL COMING?—Part 1: Holy Laughter or Strong Delusion?
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=16760


One More False Teacher at ‘One Thing’

IHOP announces their replacement for Joyce Meyer:

We are thrilled to announce that Reinhard Bonnke will be joining us for Onething 2014!

Reinhard Bonnke is known as one of the most powerful evangelists of all time. Hundreds of thousands of people attend his gospel crusades in Africa; in the last ten years, over 53 million people have committed their lives to Jesus in his meetings. Miracles and signs and wonders of all kinds follow Reinhard’s preaching.(Source)

The false teachings of Bonnke are documented at these links:

http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/rbonnke.html
http://www.letusreason.org/popteac13.htm
http://www.donotbesurprised.com/2013/09/evangelist-reinhard-bonnke-at-jesus.html


One Less False Teacher at ‘One Thing’

IHOP regrets to inform their sheep that . . .

We are writing to let you know that Joyce Meyer, who was scheduled to be with us at Onething 2014, has had to cancel speaking at the conference due to some unforeseeable personal circumstances. Joyce expressed her regret to us that she is unable to be with us and has had to cancel her visit at the last minute.
-[SOURCE]

Unfortunately, Phil Wickham and Kari Jobe will still be participating.

RELATED:

JOYCE MEYER CANCELS IHOP’S “ONETHING” APPEARANCE NEW YEAR’S EVE
http://standupforthetruth.com/2014/11/joyce-meyer-cancels-ihops-onething-appearance-new-years-eve/

Joyce Meyer -Are you paying attention-
http://www.letusreason.org/popteac17.htm

“What is the International House of Prayer (IHOP)?”
http://www.gotquestions.org/International-House-of-Prayer-IHOP.html

The Dangers of the International House of Prayer
http://carm.org/ihop

IS IHOP A CULT? ONE INTERN’S STORY
http://standupforthetruth.com/2012/04/is-ihop-a-cult-one-interns-story/


Following which Spirit?

This is a Berean exposé of the spirit behind the Holy Ghost movie as another spirit and another Jesus, not the true Holy Spirit. Most of the people in the movie also supported Brownsville, Toronto blessing, and Lakeland (Todd Bentley).


Is the new Holy Ghost film something Sheep should Flock to?

Have you heard about the new Holy Ghost film, featuring signs & wonders preacher Bill Johnson and involving Brian Head Welsh of Korn?

Is this something that the sheep should flock to? Can you discern truth from error?

Find out all about it here:

“THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKES A MOVIE? I DON’T THINK SO . . .”
http://standupforthetruth.com/2014/09/holy-spirit-makes-movie-dont-think/


Christians Dancing with Wolves?

“More and more professing Christians are uniting with wolves in sheep’s clothing. Likewise, wolves and wolverines are joining forces with wolves from different wolf packs. The pack is growing. It’s getting stronger – and they’re cunning! False teachers now play a major role in the Christian community. As I mentioned above, in order to transform society into the kingdom of God on earth, wolves and wolverines must control things, such as entertainment; government; education; business/economy; media; and family – they’re heavily involved in pro-family organizations.”

– Marsha West, The Prosperity Priestess and the pied pieper of IHOP

Some of the names referred to in the above article include . . . Joyce Meyer, Mike Bickle, IHOP, Kansas City Prophets, and Francis Chan. Read it here:

http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/mwest/140909


Shepherds protect the sheep from the wolves

SOURCE: Touch Not my Anointed
http://www.moriel.org/articles/

_______
Related:

“Touch Not Mine Anointed”
by Kevin Reeves
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=1373

Touch not my anointed!
http://www.letusreason.org/Pent47.htm


Blog for Truth Seeking Sheep

At the blog of Bethel Sozo Research Group, those sheep who seek the truth can research about the roots of “Sozo Healing,” Bethel Church, Bill Johnson, Toronto Blessing, Jesus Culture and more.

New at the official blog of Bethel Sozo Research Group:

Beni Johnson posts another photo of herself on Instagram in cemetery
http://bethelsozo.blogspot.ca/2014/08/beni-johnson-posts-another-photo-of.html


Are we supposed to pray for the wolves?

Are we supposed to pray for the wolves?

Imagine if you will, the following scenario:

A shepherd guarding his sheep observes a wolf among the flock cloaked in sheepskin. He stands up and yells “Wolf! Wolf! Run! Run!” And immediately the sheep begin to scatter, but not all. A small group turn to the sheep dog and, with an arrogant smirk plastered across their faces, respond, “But did you pray for the wolf?”

Bewildered as to why these sheep were ignoring his warning, the shepherd reiterates the danger of the wolf’s presence with an even more impassioned plea for the sheep to escape the impending doom that’s about to befall them. However, they stand firm and go back to their grazing on the plush green grass beneath their feet.

Mumblings of,”Who is he to judge?” and, “As for me I’ll be praying for the wolf” can be heard among them as they reassure themselves of their peace and safety while the wolf takes them out one by one until there are none left.

Read more here:

http://defendingcontending.com/2009/10/05/are-we-supposed-to-pray-for-the-wolves/


Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing: 5 Tips to Identify One

Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing: 5 Tips to Identify One

Have you ever heard the saying “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”? I have heard it a couple of places. First, many years ago I heard one of Aesop’s Fables which talked about a wolf that put on a sheep skin so that he could fool the shepherd into believing he was a lamb. Then when the shepherd locked the flock behind the gate at night the wolf thought he was clear to eat all the sheep he wanted. To his surprise the shepherd returned to the flock that night to gather meat for the next day. The wolf in sheep’s clothing was killed as one of the sheep. You see the saying “wolf in sheep’s clothing” simply means someone who is pretending to be something they are not…

More here:

http://www.forgottenword.org/wisc.html


Test the Prophets (and wolves)

A Challenge to Message Believers concerning William Branham

Responses to the issues that we and others have raised have to date been non-existent. So to make some of our issues a bit more focused for followers of William Branham, we would like to request a response to the following challenge:

The Test

This is a test for anyone that is a follower of the message of William Branham. Please provide us with an unambiguous prophecy made by William Branham that was recorded publicly (i.e. we can verify on a tape) and that was later fulfilled in a clear manner. We will publish any such prophecy and its fulfillment on our website…

More here:

http://www.forgottenword.org/challenge.html


Are you an under shepherd or a hireling?

Are you an under shepherd or a hireling?
by Sandy Simpson

A hireling does not really care about being a watchman, but is more concerned with protecting his reputation, position and income. A true watchman will guard the flock against wolves from within (Acts 20:30) and without (Acts 20:29) no matter the cost to his reputation, position or income.

Following is a little quiz you can take to see if you are a true Biblical under shepherd as a leader in your church, are becoming a hireling, or are one now.

Find quiz here:

http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/undershepherdorhireling.html


Taking on the Wolves of Strange Fire? (UPDATED)

John MacArthur, influential author, pastor and seminary president, has organized what has already proven to be a controversial conference, as he and several other evangelical Christian ministers will gather in October at his Sun Valley, Calif., church to take a corrective stance against what he describes as “strange fire” practices in the charismatic movement…

More here:
John MacArthur Takes on Charismatic Movement With ‘Strange Fire’ Conference
http://www.christianpost.com/news/john-macarthur-takes-on-charismatic-movement-with-strange-fire-conference-97968/

Also see:

A Mess in the Maternity Ward?

An Update on the whole Michael Brown/Strange Fire/John MacArthur hullabaloo

__________________
***UPDATE:
SEE A REVIEW/CRITIQUE OF JOHN MACARTHUR’S STRANG FIRE CONFERENCE BY ANTON BOSCH, HERE
:

Impressions from Strange Fire
http://moriel.org/MorielArchive/index.php/discernment/impressions-from-strange-fire

RELATED:

How the Mighty Have Fallen
http://moriel.org/MorielArchive/index.php/discernment/church-issues/emergent-church/how-the-mighty-have-fallen


From Wolf Howl to Wolf Growl – Who’s Not Laughing Now?

Not Laughing Now
by Phil Johnson

Rodney Howard-Browne, self-styled “Holy Ghost Bartender,” has taken notice of the Strange Fire conference sponsored by Grace to You (October 16-18, 2013). He seems unnerved by the prospect that twenty-first-century charismatic phenomena are going to be examined in light of Scripture. Howard-Browne’s trademark giddiness has gone missing. Recently, he wrote this stream-of-consciousness rant on his Facebook page:

There is coming a massive attack on the Pentecostal/ Charismatic movement by a group of individuals that don’t believe in the power of the Holy Spirit today – these men do not believe in speaking in tongues or the gifts of the spirit – they think that because of excesses in the church that they have a right to write off the fastest growing sector of Christianity – over 800 million in the earth today…

Read the rest of the growling (followed by discerning commentary), here:

http://m.gty.org/Blog/B130610


Assessing Bill Johnson’s “Eternally God” Declarations Amidst His Other Christological Statements

A hallmark of any true Christian is charity (this is not to say non-Christians cannot be charitable, of course). Christians will give their money and time with no expectation of return. Rightly, this generosity should extend to giving another the benefit of the doubt if a given statement or statements are not exactly clear. Everyone makes a ‘slip of the tongue’ or a ‘slip of the pen’, right?

But, on the other hand, when a teacher consistently makes statements that run counter to Christian orthodoxy, there is a need to address this issue forthrightly. When these statements are in the public realm via books, online sermons, video/audio, et cetera, these should be addressed publicly.

Read the rest here:

Assessing Bill Johnson’s “Eternally God” Declarations Amidst His Other Christological Statements
http://notunlikelee.wordpress.com/2013/06/09/assessing-bill-johnsons-eternally-god-declarations-amidst-his-other-christological-statements-2/


How to Spot a Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing

“Have you ever heard the saying “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”? I have heard it a couple of places. First, many years ago I heard one of Aesop’s Fables which talked about a wolf that put on a sheep skin so that he could fool the shepherd into believing he was a lamb. Then when the shepherd locked the flock behind the gate at night the wolf thought he was clear to eat all the sheep he wanted. To his surprise the shepherd returned to the flock that night to gather meat for the next day. The wolf in sheep’s clothing was killed as one of the sheep. You see the saying “wolf in sheep’s clothing” simply means someone who is pretending to be something they are not.
Years later I heard this concept in another place –The Bible. Jesus warns against wolves in sheep’s clothing…”

Read more here:
Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing: 5 Tips to Identify One
http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/wolf-in-sheeps-clothing-5-tips-to-identify-one/


When Wolves Lead the Flock

When Wolves Lead the Flock

Today, Satan and his entourage of demonic helpers stand unchallenged in many church pulpits around the world. Deception is Satan’s most powerful weapon against believers and would-be converts. He cloaks himself in the liturgical vestments of the clergy while using smooth oratory to win over undiscerning believers to doctrines of demons. He is an accomplished speaker, liar and deceiver. He is the master of disguise. From the very beginning of creation, he is the enemy of our soul and has used deception to change the truth about God into a lie. His burning passion for deception and destruction is relentless. His tactics are deadly and carry the sting of eternal ruin. The church needs to learn and understand just how skillful he is at deceiving believers through false doctrines, half truths, and counterfeit spiritual experiences…

Read more here:
When Wolves Lead the Flock: Apostasy in the Church Part 1
http://www.blogos.org/keepwatch/apostate.html


Cussing Wolves of Conscience?

Food for thought?

Profane Preachers Contribute to Killing the Conscience

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. — Luke 6:45

There seems to be a growing trend in the Church for the clergy to feed the sensual appetite through their sermons. What we are dealing with are pastors who have dirty minds and potty mouths. The word that best describes them is profane.

Read more here:

http://blogs.christianpost.com/marsha-west/profane-preachers-contribute-to-killing-the-conscience-12187/


Bill Johnson and Bethel Church in Redding false teachers and wolves in sheep’s clothing

Question: I don’t understand why Bill Johnson and Bethel Church in Redding are not classified as a cult (along with Word-Faith). They deny the deity of Christ, they deny the Scriptures and add to and subtract from them, their schools of ministry are lessons in how to operate in the occult and demonology (I was shocked when a friend told me what techniques they used). They are false teachers and wolves in sheep’s clothing. What do you think?

Response: Bill and Brenda Johnson are the Senior Pastors of Bethel Church in Redding, California. Bethel Church is firmly aligned with the Word-Faith movement and identifies with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), or the Third Wave Movement with its “prophets,” “apostles,” and alleged manifestions. Bill Johnson is called an “apostle” by C. Peter Wagner (See TBC 5/97, 2/07). His theology has amounted to what some call a “ de facto denial of the deity of Christ.”

More here:

http://www.thebereancall.org/content/august-2012-q-and-a-1


In Whom Will You Trust? Todd Bentley or Jesus Christ?

More than at any time in the history of the world, people who profess to be Christian are claiming to see Jesus. Their claims include elaborate stories of how Jesus suddenly and physically appeared to them, spoke to them, and even took them into visions and visits to heaven. They back their claims with smiles and tears, along with subtle, well-rehearsed words to assure their listeners their stories are “real” and “true”.

Read more here:

In Whom Will You Trust? Todd Bentley or Jesus Christ?
Bud Press
Christian Research Service
http://www.christianresearchservice.com/in-whom-will-you-trust-todd-bentley-or-jesus-christ/


IS ROB BELL A BROTHER TO EMBRACE OR A WOLF TO AVOID?

If Christopher Hitchens or Deepak Chopra penned a book that scoffed at the biblical teaching on hell, we would not be surprised. So why would anyone be shocked or confused when Rob Bell writesLove Wins? Has Bell shown any more commitment to gospel truth, or any more devotion to the principle of biblical authority than Hitchens or Chopra?

Is Rob Bell truly a Christian, or is he one of those dangerous deceivers Scripture warns us about repeatedly (Acts 20:29; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Colossians 2:8; 2 Peter 2:1; etc.)?

More here:

http://apprising.org/2012/07/16/john-macarthur-is-rob-bell-a-brother-to-embrace-or-a-wolf-to-avoid/