How to Recognize Cults: 7 Characteristics

Transcription

1 How to Recognize Cults: 7 Characteristics I. KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH A. We want all to be equipped to see and expose deception and to help others avoid it. We must warn and rescue those who are involved in false teaching by teaching them the truth. B. Satan s weapon is deception; our defense is love for the truth (2 Thes. 2:10). Knowledge of the truth is powerful and lack of knowledge of basic truths can lead to great harm. 32 You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (Jn. 8:32) 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. (Hos. 4:6) C. A cult is a group that deviates from the doctrines and practices of historic Christianity and has an inordinate loyalty to one leader, whose beliefs are not found in Scripture. If a group displays even one of these seven characteristics, they are a cult or have cultish tendencies. Cults start with one or two of these characteristics before they escalate into more. D. Paul warned of false teachers in the mighty church of Ephesus (Acts 20:30; 1 Tim. 1:3-7; 6:3-5, 20-21). Jesus and Paul both prophesied of false teachers in the end times (Mt. 24:4-5, 11, 24; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:1-9). As the end-time revival greatly increases so will deception. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch. (Acts 20:29-31) II. ESSENTIAL BELIEFS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH A. False teachers do not hold to the main and plain doctrines of Scripture. Some cults start by drifting from some of these doctrines and then eventually deny some of them. B. We must accept the main and plain historical Christian doctrines, which include: Jesus, God s only son, is fully God and fully man, born of virgin birth, without sin. Jesus death, bodily resurrection, and ascension. One God exists in three Persons (the Trinity) as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Salvation is by faith alone, through grace alone, and in Christ alone. The infallibility of Scripture; Scripture is our final authority for all matters of faith and practice. The unity and diversity of the Body of Christ. We stand firmly with the teachings of historic orthodox Christianity as defined in statements such as the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Westminster Confession (see these creeds at the end of this document on our website). C. The battle for truth today focuses on defining who Jesus is and how we are to love Him. We must love God on His terms as expressed through allegiance to Jesus and the Bible. Truths about Jesus that offend humanists include His right, as God, to establish absolute standards of life and morality, to which the nations will be held accountable; second, that Jesus is the only way of salvation; and third, that Jesus possesses the wisdom and love to judge sin in time and eternity.

2 How to Recognize Cults: 7 Characteristics! III. SEVEN CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTS A. #1 They oppose critical thinking instead of allowing people to think for themselves. Critical thinking is objective it evaluates information received (not the same as a critical spirit).! 1. Cults: Their members must accept what the cult leader believes without ever challenging their doctrines. They do not want their members to think critically for themselves. 2. The Bible: We must all test each teaching that we hear in the light of Scripture. Do not receive a teaching that you cannot see with your eyes in your Bible. Do not quickly accept new ideas before examining them. Loyalty to a ministry involves humbly challenging it when needed. Do not say, Our leaders say, but, The Bible says 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. (1 Thes. 5:21) a. The Bereans only accepted Paul s teaching when they saw it in the Scriptures. 11 They [the Bereans] received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11) b. Christians are exhorted to test the spirits to discern the spirit behind a teaching. 1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 Jn. 4:1) B. #2 They dishonor the family unit instead of insisting on the biblical priority of the family unit. 1. Cults: Children are taught to be more loyal to the leaders than to their parents. Women are taught to be more loyal to the leaders than to their husbands, and husbands are taught to accept this as normal. The cult leader seeks to take the place of fathers, mothers, or other authority figures. The members are often required to cut ties with their family. 2. The Bible: Our first relational commitment is to spouse, children, and parents. Our family is far more important than the ministry we are involved in. Teaching that undermines the sanctity of the family unit is unbiblical. Scripture urges us to seek reconciliation and to mend broken family relationships through love, humility, and forgiveness (as far as it depends on us). a. Those who obey Scripture will seek to communicate with and honor their families. Jesus insists that people honor their parents with integrity (Mark 7:9-13) b. Before becoming responsible adults, children are commanded by the Word to obey their parents (Eph. 6:1-3). Yet the commitment to love and communicate with one's family is not the same as needing to receive their approval to obey the Scripture (Lk 14:26). However, even if our family disapproves of us doing God s will, we must still continue to reach out to them in love and seek to communicate with them. In other words, our obedience to Jesus and His Word has priority over any of our ministry commitments, personal agenda, or even our family ties.

3 How to Recognize Cults: 7 Characteristics! C. #3 They isolate members and reject them for leaving instead of helping them do God s will. 1. Cults: They isolate their people from their families, the Church, and society. They reject any who leave and warn them, saying that they will be judged by God and will lose God s best if they leave. People are taught to make lifelong commitments to the group. Some groups teach that their members must get permission to join another ministry. 2. The Bible: A leader s concern is to help people succeed in doing God s will for their own lives, regardless of whether it means joining another ministry. The foundational value is that God owns the people, not the leader of a ministry. D. #4 They promote inappropriate loyalty and connection to the cult leadership instead of to Jesus. 1. Cults: Cults seek to connect their members to the cult leader and require loyalty to him instead of to Jesus. Loyalty is defined as not questioning the leader. It is very dangerous when the leader cannot be questioned. a. Faithfulness is defined as supporting the leader, rather than obeying Jesus. b. Cult leaders warn their members to not touch God s anointed. 2. The Bible: Our first loyalty and connection is to Jesus (Col. 2:19). Faithfulness is defined as loyalty to Jesus and obeying His Word and will. 19 Holding fast to the Head [Jesus], from whom all the body grows (Col. 2:19) E. #5 They cross biblical boundaries of behavior instead of walking in purity and integrity. 1. Cults: Cults cross biblical boundaries of behavior, especially in immorality and finances. They twist the Scripture to validate their impurity and lack of financial integrity. False teachers can be detected by their covetousness and immorality (2 Pet. 2:3-18). 3 By covetousness they will exploit having eyes full of adultery heart trained in covetous practices 18 They allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness. (2 Pet. 2:3-18) a. They usually insist on owning or controlling the money and property of members who join the community. They often promote unethical ways of gaining money (e.g., lying about collecting money for charities that do not exist). b. Some cult leaders claim that God directed them to have sexual relationships with spiritual partners for the benefit of the movement. 2. The Bible: Scripture teaches sexual purity and the private ownership of property. In Acts 4:32-35, the disciples laid their money and property at the apostles feet as a one-time free-will offering, not as a permanent economic arrangement.

4 How to Recognize Cults: 7 Characteristics! F. #6 They separate from the Church instead of promoting a culture of honor toward the Church. 1. Cults: Cults separate from the wider Church, believing that they alone have a special status with God. They criticize the rest of the Body of Christ and often claim to be the only ones truly saved. They view all other ministries and denominations as being in error. 2. The Bible: We love Jesus by loving the whole Church according to that is so dear to Him. We cultivate a culture of honor by loving the whole Church. Loving the Church is not the same as agreeing with the practices of each local church in the body of Christ. It is biblical to identify compromises being promoted in the Church but without criticizing specific ministries by name unless going through the biblical process (Mt. 18:15-17) a. There are times to bring judgment to ministries that have destructive doctrines and behavior (Mt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:1-11; 2 Cor. 11:12-15; 1 Thes. 5:14, 21; 2 Thes. 3:6-14; Rev. 2:2, 14-15, 20). We must do this in the right way and with a right spirit. b. The Bible requires God s people to take a stand against compromising trends or doctrines in the Church without dismissing the whole Church as participating in them. In Revelation 2-3, Jesus identified compromise in five of the seven churches. We must take a stand against issues that Jesus took a stand against, but we must not assume that entire denominations or streams in the Body of Christ are in error. Millions of believers worldwide are faithful to Jesus and refuse to compromise. c. We all have deficiencies or weaknesses in ministry, and we need other ministries to express the fullness of Christ. We are to bless the budding virtues of other ministries, regardless of their deficiencies (weaknesses), and without needing to point out their differences in ministry focus, style, and standards of excellence. G. #7 Emphasizing special revelations that contradict Scripture instead of honoring the Scripture. 1. Cults: Cults emphasize the special revelations of their leader that contradict Scripture. 2. The Bible: We emphasize the infallibility of Scripture as the final authority of truth. We emphasize the main and plain themes of Scripture, such as the supremacy of Jesus, the two great commandments, the Great Commission, the Sermon on the Mount lifestyle, prayer, reading the Word, winning the lost, healing the sick, serving others, etc. IV. JUDGING FRUIT A. Jesus said that we can only test, or know, a ministry by its fruit words and deeds (Mt. 7:15-20). If the Lord gives you insight into a person s hidden sin, receive it as a call to pray for that person or to go to them in private loving way to ask questions to understand their beliefs and practices. B. Practical ways to avoid deception include regular, prayerful Bible reading; setting our hearts to obey the Lord; staying in close relationship with others; regular involvement with a body of believers that has established leaders who uphold biblical doctrines and leadership principles; and maintaining a teachable spirit a spirit that receives instruction and correction from others.

5 How to Recognize Cults: 7 Characteristics! V. THE APOSTLES CREED I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, The communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, The resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. VI. THE NICENE CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, Begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary and was made man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come!

6 Historic Premillennialism and the Victorious Church I. IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A BIBLICAL VIEW OF THE END TIMES A. It is important to have a biblical perspective on the end times. What we believe about the end times greatly affects how we approach the work of the kingdom. Ideas have consequences. B. I do not ask anyone to accept my views, rather I urge you to think for yourself. Truth is never hurt by careful scrutiny, but rather it is confirmed. We must boldly challenge all the ideas that are being taught and refuse any that we cannot clearly see in Scripture for ourselves. 11 They [Bereans] received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11) C. We honor the godliness and wisdom of many who uphold different views, but some errors in understanding will leave many unprepared and even offended at Jesus in the end-time pressures. D. The most controversial point that we hold to is that the Church will be raptured after going through the tribulation in great victory. This differs from the pretribulation rapture view that teaches that the Church will be raptured at any moment, missing the end-time revival and crisis. E. There are several popular end-time views taught today. One is too pessimistic (dispensational premillennialism) with its pretribulation rapture. In total contrast, another view is too optimistic (postmillennialism) with its total Christianizing of all society before Jesus returns. This view claims that things will mostly get better. This overly optimistic view will lead to confusion and disappointment. The power and promises of God will be released in fullness in the Millennium, yet are still released in part in this age and in greater measures as we get closer to Jesus return. F. We hold to the historic premillennial view of the end times with a post-tribulation rapture and victorious praying Church emphasized (Eph. 5:27; Rev. 19:7). The Church will be victorious in love with power during the most dramatic time in history. This view gives us confidence and urgency to dynamically participate with Jesus now and in the coming revival. G. The harvest of righteousness and of sin will both come to fullness at the end of the age resulting in the greatest outpouring of the Spirit and the greatest crisis in history the tribulation. 30 Let both [wheat and tares] grow together until the harvest (Mt. 13:30) 11 For the Day of the LORD is great and very terrible; who can endure it? (Joel 2:11) H. Many unique dynamics will occur in Jesus end-time plan as He transitions the earth from this present age to the age to come and drives evil off the earth forever. He has a plan to intervene to confront oppression and corruption in a way that He has never done before (Rev. 19:2). God s judgments will remove all that hinders love so that multitudes are saved and mature in love. He uses the least severe means to reach the greatest number of people at the deepest level of love. Free Teaching Library

7 Historic Premillennialism and the Victorious Church II. APOSTOLIC CHRISTIANITY: NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH LIFE A. The Lord is returning for a victorious Church (Eph. 5:27; Rev. 19:7). Because of the element of victory, we sometimes refer to our historic premillennial view as apostolic premillennialism. We use the term apostolic to refer to the vision, values and victory of the New Testament Church. 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church (Eph. 5:27) 7 for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. (Rev. 19:7) B. Apostolic Christianity, or New Testament Christianity, will emerge in the end times as the Spirit raises up a victorious Church that operates in unprecedented unity, intimacy, and maturity (Mt. 16:18; 22:37; Jn. 17:21-26; Acts 2:17-21; Eph. 4:13; 5:27; Rev. 7:9; 12:11; 15:2; 19:7). 11 He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge [intimacy] of the Son of God, to a perfect man [maturity] (Eph. 4:11-13) III. WHAT IS APOSTOLIC CHRISTIANITY? A. It is Jesus-centered: It has a deep allegiance to Jesus, proclaiming His supremacy, glory, and worth. B. It is Church-centered: Jesus is building His Church locally and universally, which will openly triumph over all the powers of hell (Mt. 16:18). The local church is central to the purpose of God. C. It is wholehearted: It embraces holiness and discipleship as the Holy Spirit establishes the first commandment in first place in the Church in relation to Sermon on the Mount lifestyles (Mt. 5-7). D. It operates in supernatural power: It heals the sick and operates in all the gifts of the Spirit. E. It grows through prayer and intimacy with God: Its ministries flow from a foundation of intimacy with God (Mt. 25:1-13), with persevering faith and prayer that releases the Spirit s power. F. It possesses a missionary spirit: It is focused on proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom in every nation and every area of society (Mt. 24:14; 28:19). This is referred to as the Great Commission or the cultural mandate. There is a continuity of some of our present labors in the Millennium. G. It embraces persecution: Persecution is part of spiritual warfare for the godly (2 Tim. 3:10-12). H. It engages in God s purpose for Israel: The salvation of Israel is a significant aspect of God s endtime plan. Jewish and Gentile believers are unified in salvation as one new man (Eph. 2:15). I. It is free from the wrath of God: It is protected from God s wrath through Jesus (Rom. 8:1). 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord (1 Thes. 5:9) Free Teaching Library

8 Historic Premillennialism and the Victorious Church IV. THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM A. The Millennium is a literal 1,000-year period in which Jesus will rule the whole world from Jerusalem in righteousness, peace, and prosperity (Rev. 20:1-6). Jesus will govern in partnership with resurrected saints to establish a biblically-based social order (Mt. 19:28; 25:23; Lk. 19:17-19; 22:29-30; 1 Cor. 6:2-3; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rom. 8:17; Rev. 2:26-27; 3:21; 5:10; 20:4-6). 4 They lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years 6 They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. (Rev. 20:4-6) B. The kingdom of God will be openly manifest worldwide, affecting every sphere of life (politics, economy, education, agriculture, media, technology, environment, social institutions, etc.). This period of worldwide blessing will be initiated by Jesus second coming (Isa. 2:1-4; 9:6-9; 11:1-16; 65:17-25; Ps. 2; 110; Mt. 6:10; 17:11; 19:28; 28:19; Acts 1:6; 3:21; Rev. 20:1-6). V. THREE WRONG VIEWS OF THE END TIMES A. Too negative: Thinking that all society is destined to fall into the hands of the Antichrist. This view leads people to draw back from changing society now. They say, Why should we work to bring change to society, if satanic darkness is destined to dominate all society in the tribulation? B. Too positive: Thinking that most of society will be transformed before Jesus returns. This view ignores what Scripture says about the coming pressures in society and the necessity of Jesus returning to establish the fullness of the kingdom on earth. Though hope-filled desire is important, it must be tempered by Scripture. We must be loyal to God s end-time plan and wisdom as seen in Scripture and resist exaggerated humanistic optimism. C. Too vague: Thinking that it is impossible to know what the Scripture says about the end times, so why even try. They ignore the end times, being assured that the future will take care of itself and thus, they do not have urgency to be prepared in their understanding. Pan-millennial? VI. THREE COMMON VIEWS OF THE MILLENNIUM A. Premillennialism: This view teaches that Jesus returns before (pre-) His 1,000-year millennial rule. This is the only view that interprets end-time prophecy in a literal or face-value way. B. Postmillennialism: This view teaches that Jesus returns after (post-) His 1000-year millennial rule. The Church establishes the Millennium by fully Christianizing the world before He returns. C. Amillennialism: This means no millennium. This view teaches that Jesus 1,000-year reign is not a literal earthly reign, but merely a spiritual victory over sin in the heart of the believer. Most amillennialists limit the kingdom on the earth as being mostly in the heart of a believer. Free Teaching Library

9 Historic Premillennialism and the Victorious Church VII. AMILLENNIAL VIEW OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD A. The strength of this view is in its focus on the spiritual triumph of the Church over sin and Satan before the Lord returns. Some amillennialists believe in a victorious end-time Church. B. The weaknesses of this view are found in interpreting much end-time prophecy as symbolic or figurative and in embracing replacement theology, which teaches that the Church replaces Israel as heir to Israel s prophetic promises. Some amillennialists believe in a tribulation with a literal Antichrist, but most reject this view. C. Most amillennialists have a preterist view of the end times (preterit is a verb tense that describes a past action). Preterism teaches that end-time prophecy has already been fulfilled in the past. Some amillennialists are what I call eschatological cessationists in that they do not believe the power of God will be manifest in the events related to the Great Tribulation and the Millennium. D. Many preterists do not believe in an end-time tribulation or Antichrist, nor do they interpret the book of Revelation in a literal way. Preterism sees most of the prophecies in Revelation (the tribulation, Antichrist, etc.) as being fulfilled when Israel was at war with Rome (66 70 AD) and/or sees them as merely symbolic as a picture of spiritual conflict through Church history. E. Amillennialists see end-time prophecies (Mt. 24; Lk. 21) as completely fulfilled in 70 AD. It is true that the events of 70 AD were a partial fulfillment of these prophecies, but they are also meant to be understood as a significant prophetic foreshadowing of end-time events. VIII. POSTMILLENNIAL VIEW OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD A. The strength of this view is found in their zeal for the Cultural Mandate working to see every area of society transformed (government, economy, education, media, arts, etc.). The Lord will release an increased measure of His kingdom purposes and power in every sphere of society before He returns. Some of our labors in this age will have continuity in the age to come. B. The weakness of this view is similar to the weakness of amillennialism: end-time prophecies are usually interpreted symbolically instead of literally, and it embraces replacement theology. C. Most postmillennialists are preterist; they see many end-time prophecies as fulfilled in 70 AD, rather than being partially fulfilled at that time as a prophetic foreshadowing of end-time events. D. Postmillennialism is an overly optimistic eschatology. It was most popular during the Victorian age (about ) when the Spirit was restoring the truths of social action and human rights. At that time, many believers thought things would just get better and better until Jesus returned. However, the two world wars in the 20th century caused postmillennialism to fall out of favor. For example, Wheaton College was founded with postmillennial views, but switched to premillennialism after two world wars proved postmillennial optimism to be wrong. Free Teaching Library

10 Historic Premillennialism and the Victorious Church IX. THE PREMILLENNIAL VIEW OF THE KINGDOM: 2 DIFFERENT APPROACHES A. Premillennialists believe that Jesus will return to rule the earth for a Millennium (1,000 years). The strength of this view is found in its literal interpretation of end-time biblical prophecy. The two differing views are historic and dispensational premillennialism. B. Historic Premillennialism: Most teach a post-tribulation rapture (Jesus will return after the tribulation) and a literal interpretation of end-time prophecy and honor God s purpose for Israel. C. Dispensational Premillennialism: All teach a pre-tribulation rapture (Jesus will return before the tribulation) and the literal interpretation of end-time prophecy and honor God s purpose for Israel. Most do not believe that the Church will be used to transform parts of society, operate in the gifts of the Spirit or win the end-time harvest. This is a new theology that was systematized in the 1830s by John Darby. It is called dispensational because it teaches that God has related differently to His people in seven dispensations of history. It includes: (1) two covenants of salvation (Israel and the Church); (2) a literal interpretation of Scripture; (3) premillennial views; (4) pretribulation; (5) imminency that sees the possibility of an any moment rapture. D. Today, some who hold dispensational views reject some of the early beliefs of their movement. Classical dispensationalism ( s) sees the Church is a parenthesis in salvation history. Revised dispensationalism ( s) rejects the idea of two new covenants (for Israel and the Church), but sees their distinction in eternity. Progressive dispensationalism (1980s present) refers to the progressive relationship of the successive dispensations to one another. X. DISPENSATIONAL PREMILLENNIALISM A. The strength of this view is found in its literal interpretation of end-time prophecy and in embracing God s purpose for Israel in the end times. B. Its weakness is that most who hold this view do not believe that the Church will be used to transform parts of society, or that it will operate in the gifts of the Spirit, or be on earth during the tribulation to finish winning the harvest. It sees two new covenants pertaining to salvation one for Israel and one for the Church. (Dispensationalists have differing views on this). C. One weakness common to dispensationalists is in teaching on the pre-tribulation rapture of the Church. Dispensational premillennialism is an overly pessimistic eschatology. The common response is escapism (why prepare and work hard if we will soon be raptured) along with fatalism and defeatism (society cannot be changed so why try). The doctrine of imminency (Jesus returning at any moment) does not emphasize the need for a long-term plan to impact society or for Gentile believers to provoke Israel to jealousy and salvation by standing with them in persecution during the tribulation. Some with this view see the Church s mandate as being like a life raft, limited to delivering people from drowning (preaching only salvation), while abdicating our kingdom responsibility to call society out of darkness. This view can lead to a lazy disengagement. Yet, some dispensationalist churches are very active in soul-winning. Free Teaching Library

11 Historic Premillennialism and the Victorious Church XI. HISTORIC PREMILLENNIALISM: THE TRADITIONAL VIEW A. The strength of this view is found in its literal interpretation of end-time prophecy, in preparing the Church for future persecution, and in our responsibility to provoke Israel to salvation. B. Its weakness is that some who hold this view do not believe that the Church will grow strong in prayer that will result in the great harvest and in end-time victory and power as she functions in her bridal identity (Rev. 22:17). Note: some with this view do see a victorious praying Church. XII. HISTORIC PREMILLENNIALISM WITH A VICTORIOUS CHURCH A. The strength of this view is found in combining the biblical strengths of postmillennialism and amillennialism with historic premillennialism and the call to victory and wholeheartedness. B. A victorious Church: attains to unity, intimacy, and maturity, resulting in the greatest revival in history (Eph. 4:13). This prophetic praying Church will walk in great power as it is used to bring in the end-time harvest and to transform society in various places. C. A wholehearted Church: walks in Sermon on the Mount lifestyles of self-denial and serving, giving, blessing, praying, and fasting as seen in the New Testament Church (Mt. 5-7). This lifestyle will be energized by encountering Jesus as the Bridegroom God (Rev. 22:17). D. A relevant Church: sees the continuity of some of our labors in impacting society now (righteous legislation, education, etc.) with the work of Jesus in the Millennium. All that is unrighteous will be dismantled and then re-established in righteousness in the Millennium. However, righteous legislation in society in this age will not need to be replaced. Works in society built on godliness and justice will last beyond the shaking of the tribulation judgments. XIII. TWO COMMON OBJECTIONS TO HISTORIC PREMILLENNIALISM A. Some claim that the Holy Spirit is the restrainer that is removed when the Church is raptured. Paul prophesied the removal of a someone or something that restrains the Antichrist from being revealed (2 Thes. 2:6-8). Paul described the restrainer of the increase of sin and the release of the Antichrist as a what (neuter gender in 2:6) and as a He (masculine gender in 2:7). Paul taught that governing authorities are appointed by God to restrain evil (Rom. 13:1-4). I believe the restraining force that is removed is a combination of a what, which I believe to be the existence of national governments that will not allow the Antichrist s government to emerge, and a He, which I believe to be God and His sovereign decree to bring the ten-nation confederation into unity with the Antichrist (Rev. 17:17). B. Some claim that we will not go through the Tribulation because we are not appointed unto wrath (1 Thes. 5:9). It is true the Church is not appointed to wrath. The wrath of God in the tribulation will be released to destroy the Antichrist s empire, not the Church. Free Teaching Library

12 Convergence of the Missions and Prayer Movements I. TWO KEY SIGNS OF THE TIMES: THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS AND UNITY A. Before Jesus returns, the Church will be involved in the greatest harvest of souls in all history (Mt. 24:14). Simultaneously, the Spirit will raise up the greatest prayer movement in history. There are many indicators of this (Ps. 102:15-22; Isa. 24:14-16; 30:18-32; 42:10-15; 51:11; 62:6-7; Joel 2:12-17, 32; Zech. 8:20-23; 10:1; 12:10; 13:9; Lk. 18:7-8; Rev. 5:8; 8:3-5; 22:17). B. Sign #1: Jesus linked the evangelization of every nation to His return. There are almost 12,000 ethnic groups (ethnos). Mission leaders estimate that every ethnos will have the gospel by This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations [Gk. ethnos] and then the end will come. (Mt. 24:14) C. Sign #2: Jesus linked unity in the Church to the evangelization of the nations. The world will believe when the Church operates together. The Father is determined that this will happen. 21 That they all may be one that the world may believe that You sent Me. (Jn. 17:21) D. Convergence: We can do something together that we cannot do apart. Jesus is bringing a new level of unity so that all the gifts in His Body, in all nations, from three generations, work together. We can do so much more when we embrace each other s different callings with love. E. Note: The Call2All Orlando, in January 2008, was an historic meeting of 170 leaders of the primary missions organizations in the world with leaders of international prayer ministries and church-planting movements. Highlights from this meeting included missions leaders and prayer leaders recognizing the Lord s hand in bringing them together in strategic alliances for God s purposes in completing the task of bringing the gospel to every nation. F. Prayer movement leaders agreed to partner with international missions leaders in outreach. In the first two years of the Call2All congresses ( ), we have seen a demonstration of unity in the commitments made: 6 million new church plants and 600,000 new houses of prayer by The missions, prayer, and church-planting movements are working together, with marketplace ministries, with intensity for the first time in history to reach each sphere of society: family; education; government (politics, law, and military); economy (business, science, and technology); arts (entertainment and sports); media; and religion. G. Jesus emphasized that it requires night-and-day prayer to deal with injustice in the spirit realm. Injustice is not answered by political change or social action alone, because its primary source is spiritual (demonic). The foundation of justice is established in prayer and overflows in doing works of justice. The release of justice involves political processes and practical works. 7 Now shall not God bring about justice for His elect, who cry to Him day and night? 8 I tell you that He will bring about justice for them speedily. (Lk. 18:7-8; NAS) Free Teaching Library

13 Convergence of the Missions and Prayer Movements II. JOHN PROPHESIED OF THE SPIRIT S WORK IN THE END-TIME CHURCH (REV. 22:17) A. Revelation 22:17 is one of the most informative and significant prophecies describing the endtime Church. It describes the Church in unity with what the Spirit is saying and doing. He is speaking to believers about their identity as a bride and interceding for Jesus to come in power. In this prophecy, John tells us how the Church will function as: 1) anointed with the Spirit; 2) engaged in intercession; 3) established in a bridal identity; and 4) effective in the harvest. 17 The Spirit and the Bride say, Come! (Rev. 22:17) B. As sons of God, we are to experience God s throne as heirs of His power (Rom. 8:17). As the Bride of Christ, we are to experience God s heart (emotions for us). Jesus is a king with power and a bridegroom with desire. He is looking for relationship, not just a kingdom workforce. C. The Bridegroom message is focused on Jesus emotions for us, His beauty, His commitments to us (to share His heart, home, throne, secrets, and beauty), and our response of wholehearted love (obedience) that moves Him. It begins with experiencing Jesus affections and His desire for us. Jesus delights in us and enjoys us, values our work and partners with us in it. We refuse all sensual overtones in understanding Jesus as our Bridegroom (He is not our lover or boyfriend). III. ISAIAH PROPHESIED OF THE END-TIME WORSHIP MOVEMENT A. In Revelation 4-5, John describes the heavenly worship order that was established after God s own heart. It is continual, musical, and God-centered (Rev. 4:8; 5:8-9; 14:2; 15:2). This is how God wants to be worshiped. He desires to be worshiped on earth as He is in heaven (Mt. 6:10). B. Isaiah wrote more on the earthly dimension of the end-time worship movement than any man in the Bible. He prophesied that it would be relational encountering a Bridegroom God (Isa. 54:5; 62:5), musical (Isa. 24:14-16; 26:1; 27:2; 30:29, 32; 35:2, 10; 42:10-12; 54:1), continual (Isa. 62:6-7), global (Isa. 24:16; 42:10-12), and missional (Isa. 54:13-14; 62:6-12; Mt. 28:19). C. The eternal identity of the redeemed is to be a house of prayer. Thus, God speaks and moves our heart and then we speak and move His heart so that He releases His resources on earth. God sees all the local churches in a city or region as part of His one house of prayer in that area. 7 For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. (Isa. 56:7) D. Isaiah declared that our Maker is our husband. He is the Bridegroom God. He created us for love. Singing before our Bridegroom God is singing that reveals and imparts love. (Isa. 54:4-12; 62:2-5; Jer. 2:2; 3:14; 31:32; Ezek. 16:13-15, 32; 23:1-45; Hos. 1:2; 2:7, 14-23; 3:1-5; Mt. 9:15; 22:1-14; 25:1-13; Jn. 3:29; 2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25-32; Rev. 19:7-9; 21:9; 22:17). 5 For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is His name (Isa. 54:5) E. Isaiah 54 is about the end-time worship movement that will sing before seeing the full release of God s promises. Isaiah calls end-time Israel to sing before their national conversion (Isa. 54:13). 1 Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child... 3 You shall expand to the right and to the left (Isa. 54:1, 3)

14 Convergence of the Missions and Prayer Movements F. In Isaiah 42, Isaiah prophesied about a global intercessory worship movement (v ) that would usher in Jesus return (v. 13) and release His end-time judgments (v ). The villages of Kedar and Sela are Islamic villages in Jordan (Sela) and Saudi Arabia (Kedar). 10 Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you coastlands 11 Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing 13 The LORD shall go forth [Jesus second coming] like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war. He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud; He shall prevail against His enemies... (Isa. 42:10-13) G. Ends of the earth: He highlighted areas that will participate in the end-time prayer movement. 1. Go down to the sea: includes the islands of the earth 2. Coastlands: includes the major population centers on the coastlands of the earth 3. Wilderness: includes the small cities in the wilderness and desert regions of the earth 4. Villages of Kedar and Sela: Islamic villages in Jordan (Sela) and Saudi Arabia (Kedar). 5. Mountain tops: are difficult places to assemble people for worship and prayer H. Isaiah connected the revelation of Jesus as a Bridegroom to the end-time prayer movement (Isa. 62). The bridal revelation of Isa. 62:4-5 is essential to sustaining the 24/7 prayer of Isa. 62: You shall be called Hephzibah for the LORD delights in you 5 For as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. 6 I have set watchmen [intercessors] on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night 7 Give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. (Isa. 62:4-7) I. Summary: The Spirit is calling the Church to work together to offer continual prayer to fulfill the Great Commission (to win the lost, revive the Church, and impact society). It is prayer for the harvest, with music, and from intimacy with God that includes receiving God s love and responding to God with love. These are essential to involving young people in prayer meetings. The International House of Prayer is an evangelical missions organization in Kansas City that is based on 24/7 worship with intercession (that has continued non-stop since Sept. 19, 1999). The International House of Prayer staff view themselves as intercessory missionaries because they do outreach from a 24/7 prayer room. The staff raises their own financial support as missionaries. About 2,000 people (staff and students) serve full-time by investing 50 hours per week in the prayer room, in the classroom, and in outreach.

15 Being Wise and Great in God s Eyes (Mt. 7:13-27) I. REVIEW: ENTER BY THE NARROW GATE (MT. 7:13-14) A. Jesus gave a sober and weighty conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 7:13-27). He defined two contrasting messages and lifestyles, which are today being proclaimed worldwide by millions of people who profess to be loyal to Jesus. The true message is the call to the narrow way. The distorted message is the call to the broad way. 13 Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many [it is popular] who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few [it is unpopular] who find it. (Mt. 7:13-14) B. The two messages are similar in proclaiming Jesus promises of blessing. However, they are opposite in emphasizing His requirements (spiritual disciplines and denying the flesh, etc.) and warnings (rebukes and judgments). The distorted message has disastrous consequences in giving people confidence to live a life of compromise, rather than feeling sorrow for their sin, hungering for righteousness, and going deeper in their relationship with God (fasting, prayer, etc.). C. The broad way: It is popular because it has few restrictions, giving much room for compromise. Those on this road can follow their fleshly desires. It is the road of tolerance and permissiveness. This message emphasizes Jesus promises of blessing, but dismisses His requirements (spiritual disciplines and denying the flesh, etc.) and warnings (rebukes and judgments). D. The narrow way: Few choose this way, because it is difficult on our fleshly desires, which must be denied (Mt. 16:24). It has clear boundaries defined by God. To walk on this road we must leave behind many things that are not in God s will lust, pride, covetousness, etc. The narrow way is unpopular and is opposed. Those who proclaim this message are seen as extremists or fanatical by people who want to live without feeling conviction for their sin. They want to feel good about their relationship with God without needing to deny their fleshly desires and plans. E. The Holy Spirit is raising up those who commit to being faithful witnesses to the true message. At this time, the distorted message is far more popular in the Body of Christ than the true one. F. Leads to life: This life includes delighting in the supremacy of Jesus, which brings us into deep fellowship with God that lasts forever and makes our spirit vibrant in this age, etc. Jesus desires relationship with His people, flowing from mutually loving each other with all of our heart. The distorted grace message promises blessing and forgiveness without repentance, and thus without a deep loving partnership that begins in this age and last forever. G. Easy yoke: Rest in this context is a spiritual rest for our soul or heart (not a physical rest for our flesh). Taking Jesus yoke is not about receiving forgiveness, but embracing a life of meekness. We are to be yoked to Jesus and His Sermon on the Mount lifestyle of meekness it is difficult on fleshly desires, but easy on our heart, as it fills us with peace and contentment. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am lowly in heart [meek, humble], and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Mt. 11:29-30)

16 ONETHING(CONFERENCE(2012( (MIKE(BICKLE( Being(Wise(and(Great(in(God s(eyes((mt.(7:13f27)( ( II. FALSE PROPHETS AND TEACHERS (MT. 7:15-20) A. Jesus warned His people to beware of false prophets and teachers. Most of the New Testament writers also warned of and exposed false teachers. Thus, we must give this same warning today. 15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits 17 Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (Mt. 7:15-20) B. Wolves: Jesus compared false teachers to wolves, who only come among sheep to take from them. They bring harm to people s spiritual life by convincing them that the narrow way is much broader than Jesus taught. They actually present the broad way as if it were the narrow way, thus contradicting Jesus' teaching on the necessity of self denial and bearing their cross (Mt. 16:24). C. Most false teachers are not aware that they are false, because they do not read the Scriptures enough to understand their error. D. Know them by their fruits: We can only test or know a ministry by its fruit words and deeds (Mt. 7:16, 20). We must not treat others based on what we discern is wrong, without evidence of fruit. In this way, the Lord protects the Body of Christ from a culture of accusation and slander. E. Scripture requires God s people to take a stand against compromising trends or doctrines in the Church. But we must do this without dismissing the whole Church as participating in them. There are millions of faithful believers worldwide who boldly refuse compromise. 1. There are times to bring judgment to ministries that have destructive doctrines and behavior (Mt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:1-11; 2 Cor. 11:12-15; 1 Thes. 5:14, 21; 2 Thes. 3:6-14; Rev. 2:2, 14-15, 20). We must do this in the right way and with a right spirit. 2. In Revelation 2-3, Jesus identified compromise in five of the seven churches. We must take a stand against issues that Jesus took a stand against, without assuming that entire denominations or streams in the Body of Christ are in error. 3. Loving the Church is not the same as agreeing with the practices of each local church in the Body of Christ. It is a biblical expression of love to identify major compromises that are hurting the Church (but without criticizing specific ministries by name, unless going through the biblical process; Mt. 18:15-17). F. Practical ways to avoid deception include regular, prayerful Bible reading; setting our hearts to obey the Lord; staying in close relationship with others; regular involvement with a body of believers (Heb. 10:25) that has leaders who uphold biblical doctrines and practices; and maintaining a teachable spirit that receives instruction and correction from others. 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb. 10:25) G. What type of message will we proclaim? The message of the narrow ways calls forth humility and poverty of spirit; it causes people to hunger for Jesus and for a righteous lifestyle. International(House(of(Prayer(of(Kansas(City((((( Free(Teaching(Library((((mikebickle.org(

17 ONETHING(CONFERENCE(2012( (MIKE(BICKLE( Being(Wise(and(Great(in(God s(eyes((mt.(7:13f27)( ( III. THE NECESSITY OF OBEDIENCE (MT. 7:21-23) A. Many who profess Christ do not seek to consistently obey Him in their private lives (7:21-23). Jesus went from talking about false prophets (v ) to false believers (v ). Obeying and loving Jesus are synonymous. All of His commands are based in His love to enrich our lives. And our obedience to His commands is an expression of our love for Him (Jn. 14:15, 21). 21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? 23 And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! (Mt. 7:21-23) B. He who does God s will: Obedience to Jesus does not earn our salvation, but gives evidence that our faith is genuine (Jas. 2:14-17). We express our faith with works of obedience to Jesus. To exalt works as earning God s love greatly undermines the grace of God. However, to exclude good works as unnecessary is to deny the life-empowering influence of grace (Titus. 2:11-13). Salvation by works and salvation without works both rob Jesus of His glory. 14 if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can [that] faith save him? Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (Jas. 2:14 17) C. They say: Many boldly profess allegiance to Jesus publicly by calling Him their Lord, but they lack the saving faith that must be expressed in the lives of all who genuinely love Jesus. D. Supernatural ministry: They assume their popular ministry will be sufficient proof of their genuine faith. They have many testimonies of their prophecies, exorcisms, and healing miracles. No one can camouflage their consistent disobedience behind the popularity of their ministry. E. Depart from Me: These will be the most shocking and terrifying words that they will ever hear. Their focus is mostly on their ministry and not on cultivating a life of obedience. F. You who practice lawlessness: These are not mass murderers, but simply people who embraced lifestyles of immorality, drunkenness, lying, and a lack of financial integrity, etc. 9 Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 6:9-10) G. Many: It is alarming to know that this deception affects so many who profess to believe in Jesus (Mt. 7:13, 22; 24:5, 11, 12). Jesus emphasized the vast numbers who embrace the broad way. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord (Mt. 7:22) 13 Broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many who go in by it. (Mt. 7:13) 5 For many will come in My name, saying, I am the Christ, and will deceive many 10 Then many will be offended, will betray one another 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many 12 The love of many will grow cold. (Mt. 24:5 12) International(House(of(Prayer(of(Kansas(City((((( Free(Teaching(Library((((mikebickle.org(