End Times Prophecy and Warning to the Lord’s People

 

“Great darkness is coming upon the countries that have heard My gospel but no longer walk in it. My wrath shall be manifested against all ungodliness. It shall come with great intensity. My judgments are literal, and not a thing to be lightly passed over. Before I visit the nations in judgment, I will begin at My house.When I do cause My wrath to come upon the cities of the world, My people shall be separate. I desire a people without spot or wrinkle, and such shall be preserved by Me in the time of My wrath coming upon all iniquity and unrighteousness.

I am going to prepare you for the coming days by a hard path that will cause you to cry out continually unto Me. For when the going is easy, men do not seek Me, but rejoice in a temporary blessing. And when that blessing is removed, they so often turn this way and that way, but do not come to Me. I am showing you these things that you may seek Me continually and with great diligence. As you seek Me, I will open up truths to you that you have not seen before, truths that will enable you to stand in the last days.

Coming Glory and Deceiving Spirits

When I visit My people in mighty revival power it is to prepare them for the darkness ahead. With the glory shall come great darkness, for the glory is to prepare My people for the darkness. I will enable My people to go through because of the visitation of My Spirit. Take heed to yourselves lest ye be puffed up and think that you have arrived. 
Listen to the messengers, but do not hold man’s persons in admiration. For many whom I shall anoint mightily with signs and miracles shall become lifted up and shall fall by the wayside. I do not do this willingly; I have made provision that they might stand.

I call many into this ministry and equip them, but remember that many shall fall. They shall be like bright lights, and the people shall delight in them. But they shall be taken over by deceiving spirits, and shall lead many of My people astray.

Hearken diligently concerning these things, for in the last days shall come seducing spirits 1Timothy 4:1) that shall turn many of My anointed ones away.
Many shall fall through divers lusts and because of sin abounding.
But if you will seek Me diligently I will put My Spirit within you (Ezekiel 36:27).
When one shall turn to the right hand or to the left hand, you shall not turn with them, but keep your eyes wholly on the Lord.  (seek His  Word, His Spirit, His Presence)
The coming days are the most dangerous, difficult and dark, but there shall be a mighty outpouring of My Spirit upon many cities; and many shall be destroyed.
My people must be diligently warned concerning the days that are ahead. Many shall turn after seducing spirits; many are already seducing My people. It is those who do righteousness that are righteous.
Many cover sins by great theological words, but I warn you of seducing spirits who instruct My people in an evil way.

Many shall come with seducing spirits and hold out lustful enticements.
You will find that after I have visited My people again, the way shall become more and more narrow, and fewer shall walk therein.
But, be not deceived, the ways of righteousness are My ways. For though Satan come as an angel of light (II Corinthians 11:13-15), hearken not to him; for those who perform miracles and speak not righteousness are not of Me.
I warn you with great intensity that I am going to judge My house and have a church without spot or wrinkle when I come.

I desire to open your eyes and give you spiritual understanding that you may not be deceived, but may walk in uprightness of heart before Me, loving righteousness and hating every evil way.
Look unto Me, and l, will make you to perceive with the eyes of the Spirit the things that lurk in darkness, that are not visible to the human eye.
Let Me lead you in this way that you may perceive the powers of darkness and battle against them. It is not a battle against flesh and blood, for if you battle in that way, you accomplish nothing.
But if you let Me take over and battle against the powers of darkness, then they are defeated; and then liberation is brought to My people.

The Way of Deceivers

I  warn you to search the Scriptures diligently concerning these last days, for the things that are written shall indeed be made manifest.
There shall come deceivers among My people in increasing number, who shall speak forth the truth and shall gain the favor of the people, for the people shall examine the Scriptures and say, “What these men say is true.” Then when they have gained the hearts of the people, then and then only shall they bring out these wrong doctrines.
Therefore, I say that you should not give your hearts to men, nor hold people’s persons in admiration. For by these very persons shall Satan enter into My people.

Watch for seducers 1Timothy 3:13).
Do you think a seducer will brandish a new heresy and flaunt it before the people? He will speak the words of righteousness and truth and will appear as a minister of light, declaring the Word.
The people’s hearts shall be won; they will bring out their doctrines, and the people shall be deceived.

The people shall say, “Did he not speak thus and thus? And did we not examine it from the Word? Therefore he is a minister of righteousness. That he has now spoken we do not see in the Word, but it must be right, for the other things he spoke were true.”

Be not deceived, for the deceiver will first work to gain the hearts of many and then shall bring forth his insidious doctrines.
You cannot discern those who are of Me and those who are not of Me when they start to preach.
But seek Me constantly, and then when these doctrines are brought out, you shall have a witness in your heart that these are not of Me. Fear not, for I have warned you.
Many will be deceived, but if you walk in holiness and uprightness before the Lord, your eyes shall be opened, and the Lord will protect you. If you will constantly look unto the Lord, you will know when the doctrine changes, and you will not be brought into it.
If your heart is right, I will keep you, and if you will look constantly to Me, I will uphold you.

The minister of righteousness shall be on this wise: his life shall agree with the Word, and his lips shall give forth that which is wholly true, and it will be no mixture.
When the mixture appears, then you will know he is not a minister of righteousness.
The deceivers speak first the truth and then error to cover their own sins, which they love. Therefore, I exhort and command you to study the Scriptures relative to seducing spirits, for this is one of the great dangers of these last days.

I desire you to be firmly established in My Word, and not in the personalities of men, that you will not be moved as so many shall be moved. I would keep you in the paths of righteousness. Take heed to yourselves, and follow not the seducing spirits that are already manifesting themselves.
Diligently inquire of Me when you hear something that you have not seen in the Word, and do not hold people’s persons in admiration, for it is by this very method that Satan will hold many of My people.

The Way of Triumph

I  have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly, that you may triumph where I triumphed. On the cross I triumphed over all the powers of Satan, and I have called you to walk the same path. It is when your life is on the cross that you shall know the victory that I have experienced. As you are on the cross and seated in Me, then you shall know the power of the resurrection.

When I come in My glory, the principalities and powers in the heavenly places shall be broken. Fret not, for I have given you power whereby you may tread down the powers of darkness and come forth victoriously. It was on the cross that I triumphed over all the powers of the enemy. My life shall flow through you as you enter into these precious truths. Look unto Me, and appropriate My life. As your eyes and desires are toward Me, and you know what it is to be crucified with Me, then you shall live, and your anointing shall increase.

It was not in My life that I walked upon the earth, but it was in My life when I was upon the cross that I openly spoiled principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15). I am showing you truth that shall cause you to overcome, to have power over the wicked one-truth that will liberate you and those around you. You shall know also the fellowship of My sufferings. There is no other way whereby you may partake of this heavenly glory and reign with Me. “If we suffer, we shall reign with Him” (II Timothy 2:12 KJV).

I desire to make these truths real within you. As you keep them before you, you will liberate many who are in bondage. You will have revelations of those in darkness and will have the keys to liberate the captives.
Many seek to liberate, but they have not the keys. Upon the cross continually you will know the power of My resurrection that you may also partake of My glory.

As you are willing to walk with Me and rejoice in your sufferings, you shall partake of My glory. Look unto Me, for ye have need of power to overcome the wicked one and the bondage in other lives.

If you will indeed judge yourself, you shall not be judged 1Corinthians 11:31).
As you seek My face and desire to be cleansed by Me in all truth and sincerity of heart, I will judge you in the secret place, and the things that are in the secret place of your heart shall not be made manifest to others. I will do it in the secret place, and no man shall know it, and the shame that shall be seen on many faces shall not be seen on your face. Therefore, in love and mercy I am instructing you, and, therefore, have I said that if a man judge himself, he shall not be judged. It is not My good pleasure that the shame of My people be seen by all. How can I judge the world if I judge not first My own house? Hearken unto these things I am telling you. If you will not hearken to Me, your shame shall be evident to all.

God’s Part and Our Part

I would have you consider My life on earth-the anointing upon Me was great. Yet the temptations were great on every side, in one form and then in another, offering Me first the glory of the kingdoms of the earth, and then reviling and persecuting Me. There will be great glory given to My people, and yet the temptations shall be intensified from every side. Think not that with the glory there shall be no temptations or persecutions.
The glory to My church shall be great, and so shall the temptations from the enemy to turn My people from My paths. I am warning you that when the glory shall be manifested, the temptations shall be great, until very few that start shall finish.

First, there shall be offered them great worldly possessions, and then great revilings and unbelief.

Consider your Lord, that as He walked, so it shall be for you. There shall be need of great intensity of purpose.
At times, everyone shall rise up against you, simply to turn you from the course that I would put you on. It is written of Me that I set My face as a flint to go the direction My Father had prescribed for Me Isaiah 50:7). If you will finish the course the Lord has laid down for you, you will have to set your face as a flint with great determination-you must walk in the course laid down for you.
Many of your loved ones and those who follow with you shall persuade you and try to turn you from the course. With many words that seem right in the natural will they speak to you. Did not Christ rebuke Peter, who would turn Him from the course God had prescribed? (Matthew 16:22, 23)

Understand these two things and meditate upon them solemnly: the persecution and the darkness shall be as great as the glory, in order to try to turn the elect and the anointed ones from the path the Lord has laid down for them.
Many shall start, but few shall be able to finish because of the greatness of grace that shall be needed to be able to endure unto the end.
The temptation and persecution of your Lord was continuous. He was tempted by Satan in many forms throughout His entire life, and even on the cross when the ungodly cried out, “If thou be the Christ, come down from the cross.”
Think not that there shall be a time of no persecution, for it shall be from the time of your anointing unto the end-difficulties and great persecution to the end. The Lord must prepare you to be an overcomer in all things, that you may be able to finish the course.
The persecution shall increase, even as the anointing shall increase.

In paths of judgment and righteousness shall the Lord God lead His people and bring them into that place which He has chosen for them. For the Lord has chosen a place for His people, a place of righteousness and holiness where He shall encamp round about them, and all who will be led of the Lord shall be brought into this holy place, for the Lord delights to dwell in His people and to manifest Himself through His people. The holiness of the Lord shall be manifested through his people. Let the Lord lead you in difficult places. He led His people of old through the place where no man dwelt, where no man had passed through- in a place of great danger, and in the shadow of death. The Lord will indeed lead His people through such places, and yet He will bring them out into a place of great glory. Understand that the way toward the glory is fraught with great danger, and many shall fall to the right or to the left; many shall camp on lesser ground, but the Lord has a place of holiness, and no unclean things shall dwell among His people.

Put your trust in Him, and He will bring you into a place of holiness. He desires to bring His people into great glory, the like of which has never been seen: what the Lord will do for those who put their trust in Him.
It is a place of darkness and great danger that separates His people into the place He would have them walk in. He will protect them from the voices that would turn them from His path.
He will bring them through the dark places, and through the treacherous paths, out into the light of His glory. He will rejoice greatly over His beloved, and cause you to be filled with joy unspeakable. He seeks to lead His people into a new place of grace and glory where He will indeed encamp among them. Put your trust in Him, and He will surely bring you into this new place.

Fear not the days to come, but fear this only: that you shall walk in a manner pleasing to the Lord.
In this time I am ordering and setting up My church, and it shall indeed be pure, without spot or wrinkle. I will do a work in My beloved that has not been seen since the foundation of the world. I have shown you these things that you may seek the Lord diligently with all your heart, and that you may be a preserver of His people.

Run not to this one nor to that one,
for the Lord has so ordained that salvation is in Him, and in Him alone.
You shall not turn to this shepherd, or to that one; for there shall be a great scattering upon the earth.

Therefore, look unto Him, for He will indeed make these things clear to you.
You shall not look here nor there, for wells that once had water shall be no more. But, as you diligently seek Him, He shall increase your strength and your faith that He may be able to prepare you for this time that is coming.

The truths that I have revealed to you must become a part of you, not just an experience, but a part of your very nature.
Is it not written that I demand truth in the inward parts? It is the truth of the Lord expressed in your very being that shall hold you. Many shall experience the truth, but the truth must become a part of you-your very life.
As men and women look upon you, they will hear not only the voice, but see the expression of the truth. Many shall be overcome because they are not constant in My ways, and because they have not permitted the truths to become part of them. I am showing you these truths that you may be prepared and having done all, to stand.”

End Time Prophecy of what will befall in the Last Days before Jesus Comes Back:

Stanley Frodsham..1965

The Institutional Church System is an Unbiblical Abuser of Christ

 

 

Hitler Defends the Institutional Church, (satire)

 

Yes friends, this issue of being a real disciple of Jesus Christ, (not a spoon fed powerless bottle baby that hasn’t learned how to walk yet), is serious business, but nevertheless, now that we’ve been liberated from the mess, we don’t mind poking a little truthful jab at that old ogre, the apostate, institutional, organized harlot.

 

 

FROM THE PROPHETIC MINISTRIES OF STEPHEN W. MORRIS:

http://www.angelfire.com/in/HisName/
“As a humanly organized hierarchical authoritarian structure there are published and unstated rules which members of the institutional church system value as being above those found in the Bible.
There are certain religious words, symbols and ideas that are taught to those within such a system that have little, or no value to those who are strangers to that system.
There are also unstated rules which are learned by word of mouth and considered as part and parcel of that religious, social and political system.
When attempting to communicate or exchange dialogue with those who are strangers to the institutional church system those stated and unstated rules are verbalized in an attempt to convince strangers to the system of the value of the institutional church system.
When pressed for an explanation, or an interpretation of those stated and unstated values, the members only know to repeat what they have already said. The reason for that is that they, also, have no idea what the explanation or interpretation of what they just said really is.
Memorization of verses of scripture from the King James Version of the Bible are a top favorite. Just spout them out by rote and the Holy Spirit will convict them, right? Wrong. They will simply respond by surprise and an attempt to get away from what you are saying (dissociate) because it doesn’t make any sense to them. In their attempt to dissociate they unwillingly enter into an altered state of consciousness, which leaves them more vulnerable to the ideas being offered. In this eyes wide open altered state of consciousness their brain releases chemicals almost identical to opium, creating an addiction to whatever caused the altered state. While in this state they are 20 to 25 times more open to suggestion than while in a wide-awake, fully aware Beta state.
This is a favorite of many cults, a surprise confrontation (this works particularly well if the person appears bizarre which may be either their mode of dress or mannerisms) accompanied by a loud voice, slowly drifting back to a normal tone of voice as suggestions are made to buy or become a part of something.
The only way the institutional church system can reach strangers to their way of life [read: the unsaved] is to get them physically inside of their institutional church building and employ psychological and emotional tactics and peer pressure to condition them to alter their decision-making consciousness to also become part of their group.
An eyes wide open altered state of consciousness—accomplished primarily through a “worship service” employs voice, sound and lighting methods which robs them of their ability to correctly perceive, analyze and interpret the effects of what is happening to them. The same technique is used by the unbiblical practice of issuing an “altar call.”
Peer pressure is particularly powerful, and when they see the “faithful” (faithful to what?) all doing the same physical antics it has a stunning hypnotic effect.
Then we see elements of the battered bride syndrome, and the Stockholm syndrome. This can occur in as little as two days, so great efforts are made to get the new prospect to attend at least two such “services.” Success is almost guaranteed, unless the person(s) involved are very strong intellectually and emotionally. Stockholm syndrome refers to a group of symptoms among those who suffer physical, sexual and/or psychological abuse or any combination of these. It’s a known defense mechanism to avoid fear, terror, violence and physical and mental pain. It’s a survival strategy and a very common phenomenon. It’s also an expression of gratefulness to the abuser for providing an escape from threats of death or violence from the abuser or another source. There is an emotional bonding with the abuser, and they seek the abuser’s approval. The longer the period of association with the abuser the stronger the emotional bonding will be. Psychologically they must give up their previously held value systems and believe that their very survival will come about only when they totally surrender to the will of their abuser.
Note these are the tactics originally employed to get the “member” under the control of unbiblical self-appointed “leaders.”
All of this is utilized by members because of their biblical illiteracy and unbiblical lifestyle which includes, but is not limited to teachings that there is authority in custom and tradition, therefore the institutional church system has authority. This is badly flawed logic as the truth is that there is only authority in custom if the majority in society finds the custom to be good, i.e., beneficial, utilitarian, valuable and desirable. Then it may be assigned authority by the majority. Just because you’ve done things wrong for 1,700 years doesn’t make it right.
More unbiblical teachings also include teachings that God will curse you, the devil will kill you, steal from you and destroy you, that you are being disobedient to God and you are in rebellion against God if you don’t tithe, have a “covering,” assemble at their building at pre-set times, and obey everything alleged “leaders” think, say and do.
Because of the constant abuse and subsequent sense of loss in individuals in this abusive place, grieving is an ongoing traumatic experience, causing further problems, especially if trauma is already present in an individuals life because of post-traumatic stress disorder.
These extremely unhealthy mental and emotional problems are simply passed on to the unsuspecting who think they are being taught about “God” by those who label themselves as “experts” about God because that’s the impression they give to the strangers to the system.
Is it any wonder that today billions of people on this earth want nothing to do with what they perceive to be “Christianity?”
Why aren’t churches a good witness of Christ?
Because they make disciples of a biblically illegitimate, paganized, Romanized, pope-modeled, traditional, man-made organization which has violated the very will and purpose of God for His ecclesia. Instead of reflecting the teaching, preaching and healing values of Christ.
Simple, huh?
If only they could see the living Christ within those who name His name. If only they could see Christ in the 24-hour a day, seven-day a week lifestyle of those who, instead, teach and preach and practice criticism, condemnation and judgment at them.
If only they were incorporated into a Christ-like lifestyle of true disciples of Jesus Christ and taught and demonstrated the love of God, the abundance of life in Jesus Christ and the liberty of the Holy Spirit—then it would make a world of difference!
Wouldn’t it?”

 

 

 
 

Spiritually Abused in Church? What is Your Story?

Many people wouldn’t be reading here if they hadn’t been abused in some fashion.  Those who’ve never been abused, or abusers themselves- wouldn’t know what it felt like, unless they, at some point, felt the sting of it themselves.

It’s my personal belief that all abuse hurts a person spiritually. It’s not likely there will be physical abuse in a church setting, but there, abuse will occur at the very heart of our soul, sometimes driving us into self-condemnation, guilt over false accusations, shaking our spiritual beliefs, and foundation of our faith to the very core.

Our reaction to this may come first as shock, followed by anger and indignation. And soon after, if we are lucky enough to remove ourselves from the abusive situation, we may lapse into a feeling of rejection as we become isolated from former brethren.

My own personal journey through the pain of spiritual abuse was absolute bewilderment and a mind numbing core of hurt that pierced the deepest places in my heart. Even with Christ there to carry me though this, it was without doubt, one of the worse experiences of my life. How could I ever trust “church people” again, now that I knew the truth? Might they not all be like that? I isolated myself from churches, not wanting to take another chance at exposing my deepest feelings to those who were going to reject, falsely judge and hurt me.

My experience with spiritual abuse wasn’t an isolated incident that merely “hurt my feelings”. Instead, without  going into details, it was a long, complex series of abuses that continued over a period of time, that finally culminated with a yet another betrayal, this time even more serious than the others. With this came the  realization that I had to get out. The abuse was affecting me spiritually and emotionally, and there was no other choice but to leave. I couldn’t change anything by staying.

I went through this alone. There was no one to talk to about what happened. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so alone, betrayed, falsely accused,  and rejected in my entire  life. It’s very hard to describe the feelings I had. I’m not sure there are even adequate words. Maybe something close would be like when someone closest to you died, and there is at first shock and then the grieving process sets in after that, but even that doesn’t quite fit, because when I left the church where I was abused, the only one who I felt had died, was me.  The ones who abused and condemned me wrongly, basically for their own false perceptions, went on, justifying themselves together, and continued on apparently oblivious to the havoc created in my life. (Only later, have I found there are many others who were going through, or had gone through a similar circumstance, but at the time, there wasn’t the ground swell rising up of voices on the Internet to expose this “best kept secret” going on in churches all across America). I felt like I was the only one.

So~

Next came the feelings of bitterness and resentment at those responsible for abusing me. This was a small church, so my betrayers had once been my closest friends. Well, at least some of them. The pastor was an enigma…at times he seemed compassionate and real, but most of the time he had a bully pulpit, and made a practice of calling out those who had committed what he felt were infractions in such a way that everyone knew who he was pointing his finger at. He had his little group of favorites, especially those who curried his favor and fawned over him. That wasn’t my style though and maybe he sensed that.

I knew in my heart what they did was wrong, and I also knew my resentment was wrong. I knew I needed to forgive, that I must forgive, but I didn’t know how I was going to be able to do that, the pain I felt went so deep.

Jesus said, unless we forgive others, our father can’t forgive us. That’s a big order sometimes. But unforgiveness is destructive, both on the offenders but also on the one that needs to extend forgiveness. I think this issue of unforgiveness is truly very misunderstood, but I think our own spiritual growth will be stunted if we fail to forgive and, instead,  allow a root of bitterness to grow in our hearts and become twisted and ugly.

Think about that. If we allow our hearts to become cold and bitter, then Satan has won the round and we will end up more like those who abused us…hypocrites. I don’t want to be like that and neither do you. We need to keep short accounts with God so our prayers can get answered and so that we can move forward in our walk in the
Spirit, leaving ugly emotions behind us. That is the victory over spiritual abuse.

It can be done, but only through much prayer and communion with Jesus in worship, asking for help and laying all burdens at the foot of the cross, for truly, we can do nothing without him.

Jesus bless all of you going through these struggles and I thank God who will give us the victory as we turn fully to him.

Since that time, many years ago, I have studied the phenomena of spiritual abuse in churches, in depth, inside and out, and from every angle. I know what makes it tick, and the games people play in church, all the way from the pulpit, to those in other “leadership” aspects of the church, all the way to those who sit in the pews. There is a pattern to these things, even from church to church, from one denomination to another, in one way or another. I have arrived at this from not any disconnected “psychological analysis”, but from personal experience with scripture and an intimate relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who by His mercy and grace brought me out of it.

If you have been spiritually abused in a church, by the pastor, or another church member, or even the group. You may tell your personal story here, anonymously. Just post it under the comment section here and I will create a post from that, leaving out the parts you choose, (names, places, etc). Your privacy will be vigorously protected. E-mail addresses, personal names will never be released to others, nor will any other privately communicated information. If you would like to talk to me personally, send an e-mail to SpiritualAbuseSanctuary@hotmail.com. I will be glad to talk to you. Skype chats can also sometimes be arranged. I am not a psychologist,  nor do I give medical advice, but I will be happy to listen to hurting people who have been through spiritually abusive situations in church, or in the home.

~God bless you,

Scarlett

Hephzibah House of Horrors

 

I believe the testimonies of these girls. Their stories deserve to be told, over and over if need be, until the perpetrators of such abuses get the message that their abuses against these girls will be shouted from the housetops, with them exposed and hopefully punished, and/or jailed, and then hopefully these types of  crimes will cease to exist.  I have a real problem with pastors, individuals, churches…..anyone…. who abuse other people in the name of God, and I will tell about it whenever I can. That’s what I love about the Internet…finally, these best kept secrets….. crimes done “in the name of God” are being exposed, and victims are coming forward to tell their stories and put the spotlight on the abusers.

Soon, I hope to do a post on similar abuses within so-called ministries for boys and men. 

The following is a HUGE list of survivor statements and testimonies of the girls who’ve been in Hephzibah House, and I seriously doubt if this even begins to skim the surface:

http://www.survivorstatements.webs.com/

 

 

Spiritual Abuse and it’s Effects-When the Church Becomes Your Worst Nightmare

I give God all the glory and thank Him for opening up the floodgates and exposing the “churches best kept secret”, that of spiritual abuse. It’s out of the closet now and the spiritually abused are coming from everywhere telling their stories. Talking it out, even on the Internet- is very cathartic and liberating. When I was victimized and abused by my own church, I thought I was the only one in the whole world this had happened to, and I felt so alone and betrayed. I would encourage everyone who has suffered spiritual abuse to talk about it, to a caring friend, on an Internet forum or blog, in a support group..just talk about it. Then the healing can come as Jesus pours in the oil and the wine. Trust Him to do it, and be patient with yourself. It still takes time.

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/tsgibson/book2web.htm

2001 04 28.1

For thus says the Lord. Hear and know that the power of God is available to everyone: everyone who believes and everyone who serves. To serve simply means to bow down, repent and believe in the Lord, and to go out giving the good news to whoever will receive it. Those that do so are truly serving Me.

But so many, says the Lord, hide in the church. They go to work, mention nothing of the gospel, come home, sit down, eat their meals, live their life, go to bed, have witnessed to no one. Many of My people are like this. But I did not call them to be so.

I called them to stand up, to be a witness both in word and in deed wherever they go; and to lead those to the Lord who will listen to the Word. That Word is found throughout My Bible, and it is My Bible. Read it. Study it. Know it.

Be forewarned. Many false teachings have gone forth. But as you study the Word you will find out which is false and which is true. For My Word is truth. And what lines up with it, is truth. What does not line up with it, must be false.

Stand for the Word of God, go forth into the world and be a light unto them that need the gospel. So says the Lord.

 

Spiritual Abuse-What are the Signs You may be in an Abusive Church?

Who gave these churches the right to change the way God set up the church?  Back then, as a newbie, I tried to make excuses, such as, “Well, they’re doing some things right”…and, “these are different times we’re living in now, and after all it looks like they do love the LORD”.

When I first came out of the spiritually abusive church, I felt I must surely be the only one in the world that had ever experienced such abuse and betrayal in the “house of God”.  Some day soon, I hope to get around to posting about what happened there in the “full, unedited version”. But not just yet, …at this time I just feel led to tell a few incidents that happened during that time period, as a new believer, I realize I was being groomed to be conformed…not into the image of the Beloved, Jesus Christ, but being groomed to be conformed into a counterfeit, an apostate, a Pharisee.

There’s a lot to tell from the very beginning that should have been warning signals. Yes, I do believe very early on the Holy Spirit was showing me in the Word,…….that the church I was involved in at that time, was controlling, biblically “off”, legalistic,  and trying to get me to conform to their system, their “ways” of doing church, and it was a controlling man made system full of man made doctrines and traditions of men that really had little to do with the pure worship of God.

I had gone into this church as a new spirit-filled believer, wanting to serve Jesus with all my heart and ability. I was studying the Word of God, and was like a sponge to learn more.  I started wondering why this church didn’t bear any resemblance to the early church in the bible in the book of Acts. 

As you can see, those are the excuses a novice might come up with who has little or no experience in how things work in the apostate, organized church system. Jesus doesn’t change by the whims and times of man, He, is the same, yesterday, today and forever. That’s one of the awesome things to admire, thank and love Jesus for, He’s not capricious.

Anyway, after the initial love bombing was over at this small church I had joined, the grooming and subtle controlling began. You know it’s amazing….no matter how small the church, there seems to be a set of unspoken “rules” that as if by magic, become operable. You can count on it……

With me, I was in this to be real, to love and serve the LORD, but I had a lot to learn about the way the “church did church” and expected its members to “do church”.  Meanwhile, I was getting little memo’s in my study time in the bible from the Holy Spirit, concerning these issues in the church. For example, this one…

 

 

12As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.”Galatians 6

 

 

Now, see, it’s pretty plain- in the context of what the Spirit was showing me, that even modern-day churches don’t demand their congregants to get physically circumcised, but they do try to bring them  back under the law, and into the bondage and conformity to legalism. They want you to conform to their pattern, so “they can GLORY IN YOUR FLESH”. So, that in your outward appearance, you’ll look and act JUST LIKE THEM! The problem here is that it’s all superficial, like Jesus accused the Pharisees, of looking like whitened sepulchres, only inside they were full of dead mens bones.

Something else the Holy Spirit was showing me in the Word of God about that time was this, that went along the same lines and was confirming the other scripture………..

 

 

14But their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same veil not taken away in the reading of the old covenant; which veil is done away in Christ.

15But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their hearts.

16Nevertheless when one shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.

17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

18But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2nd Corinthians 3.

 

 

Legalism! Being practiced in the household of God! And the LORD was trying to show me in His Word that this was not His way…that I was free in Him and  showing me not to allow myself to be brought under the bondage of their system. You see, if “your veil is taken away”, you be able to see clearly, and have the “eyes to see, and ears to hear” that Jesus has provided for those who love and obey Him and His Word.

You would be surprised how many churches are doing this in one form or another, and believe me, they will not take kindly to a new member who comes in expecting to remain uncontaminated by their system and doctrines.

If you’ve come to this page, I’m assuming that you may be in a church situation that doesn’t seem right, and in fact may be an abusive church. You see, what I’ve described IS spiritual abuse, but inevitably, if a new member doesn’t conform, it’s not going to be a matter of if, but when, the spiritual abuse becomes very up front and personal, and directed toward you. That’s when decisions have to be made…and you either succumb to the manipulation and fear, or…you leave.

I pray for each and every person who comes here with such a burden on your heart, that you will be set free and healed from all legalistic, man-made bondages. Jesus loves you and wants you to be FREE to love and serve Him in the Spirit, free of the shackles of Nicolaitanism.

As I said before, when I came out of the apostate church I felt so alone, and like there was no one in the world to talk to that understood. Just know that here, you will find brothers and sisters that care, and you CAN talk to and share your experiences, and you will not be ostracized, or condemned. Talking, sharing, and praying together about the  spiritual abuse we’ve suffered is very cathartic and healing, and this is basically what this blog is all about. 

May Jesus bless you~

Scarlett

Tom White of VOM-Activist-Pragmatist-Not an Icon or Great Christian Leader

In this video interview from 2008, Tom White describes himself, and “we”, (meaning apparently,  his associates  who were also activists before joining up with the Wurmbrands), as a “bunch of activists, and  pragmatists.”

It’s true that activists and pragmatists can do much good work for a cause. They can also be very good business heads running a large company if they are gifted in that ability. In Tom White’s case, apparently he was.  I personally don’t believe he was ever intended to be anything other than that, an ministry head. Certainly not an icon, idol or great religious leader, per se. Those placed on pedestals by others have this nasty habit of toppling over and falling. This should be a lesson to those who insist on placing mere men in such precarious positions. If you have done that with your pastor, spiritual shepherd, Tom White or anyone…please repent of it, and do not repeat such a sin. Mankind has a flaw in his character that seems to want to be led by other men, where as God rightly deserves and even demands that honor.

 

 http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID=NTA0

Read the testimony…the need is real. The issue is, with VOM, there does need to be a corporate head to take the helm at this time. However, if VOM is indeed to continue as originally planned by Richard Wurmbrand, as a work of God, then does it not stand to reason that there should be a board of godly men to hold the corporate end accountable? And by that, I mean, not a board of men hand picked by the present leadership, but by a council. This may or may not happen. Hopefully, something similar should take place in the very near future.

Those who are in control of a situation are usually loath to relinquish even a small measure of power to a group of men, no matter how capable they may be. Mark Driscoll’s firing of his elders at Mars Hill Church is just such an example.

One can only hope the present leadership of VOM will see the need- and choose of their own accord, as was done in the Book of Acts, to provide oversight, to police, if you will, their own operation of the ministry, to keep it accountable before man, and most importantly, before God.

Spiritual Abuse..Rampant in Today’s Churches

I wonder…how many Christians  are still locked into spiritual abuse in their local church or fellowship, and don’t even realize what they are giving allegiance to with their time, worship and money is “not all about Jesus Christ”, but rather man made doctrines, traditions of men that make the word of God of no effect. 

As a new Christian, this happened to me during my first years after joining a church. I’d been studying the word of God, I’d prayed earnestly, I was “on fire” for God, yet, something was nagging at my heart. Doubts. I kept asking myself why this church and other ones I’d visited didn’t seem to line up with the biblical model of the  church that Christ set up in the early church, described in the Book of Acts, and the epistles of the Apostles.

I knew that when I went to church and worshipped, the presence of the Holy Spirit would manifest, so I continued to rationalize that “church” as I experienced it, must be due to the change in the era. Still, the Holy Spirit kept reminding me that “Jesus doesn’t change”. He is the same today, yesterday and forever. I couldn’t shake this still small voice.

Finally, as I grew more mature in the scriptures, I started noticing there were practices in the church I belonged to that were mimicking the un-scriptural things they viewed on Christian TV. When I began hesitantly speaking to a few of my friends in church about these questions, they began to come against me. Looking back on the events that followed, I realize now, these were warning signals given me by the Holy Spirit.The upshot was that God Himself drew me out of this  spiritually abusive prison house of apostasy I’d been trapped in. I cannot begin to describe to you the sense of freedom, and liberation in my spirit, once out. However, that doesn’t mean there were not after effects from the abuse, rejection, and sense of isolation I felt after leaving the brethren and fellowship I loved.  There were many, and it has taken much time with Jesus to bring me through what was a very painful period in my life.

Folks, we should closely examine what our churches are teaching and practicing. For all of you who’ve come out of spiritually abusive churches, or..perhaps you feel you may be in one, I would recommend some of the excellent resources on the Internet where you can find help and fellowship with other Christians. This is one very good one that covers these issues in depth,  http://www.charismatic-captivation.com/?p=5 . And of course, you are welcome to make comments here in this blog and tell your personal story. We welcome comments.

 

Church Discipline…Here we go Again

Many people are wondering why church discipline is suddenly such a hot topic. Do you think it just might have anything to do with Mars Hill, and Mark Driscoll? Well, maybe. But the fact is that church “discipline” in one form or another has been in effect since the early church. Unfortunately much of it was not done scripturally, but based on many other factors, one of which is the churches best kept secret, spiritual abuse in the form of shunning….. disfellowshipping done based on unscriptural carnal reasoning.

I think we are going to be hearing much more about this in coming weeks and months. I personally am very glad to see the churches taking a good, hard look at their practices concerning church discipline.

 In my opinion, I believe mainstream Christianity as practiced in America needs a serious overhaul. Some have even sceptically referred to it as rearranging the furniture on the Titanic. That may be an overworked phrase, but sadly, there is a general depression of authentic Holy Spirit fire in the churches today, and all too much of what is presenting itself as strange fire, a zeal not after true biblical knowledge.

http://thewartburgwatch.com/2012/02/24/is-church-discipline-going-rogue/

Check out some of the latest from Wartburg Watch…..and ask yourself, or the leadership in your church what the policy is concerning church discipline. The answers should be very telling.  Just stuff to think about, very serious stuff.