1 Sam. 28:7 ~ Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
It is interesting that in 1 Samuel, when King Saul needed "direction" that everyone in his inner circle knew where the "witches" were. Although the diviners, sorcerers and seducers were thoroughly condemned by God's word, everyone seemed to know that at Endor, there was at least one practicing witch, and that witch, whether she knew it or not, was seen by God and would experience something that she had not experienced until this point in time.
After her divination was ended, she became a cook. Cooking Saul and his band a meal and sending them on their way as quickly as possible. Although Saul had promised not to condemn or convict her for her divination did she cease from her ungodliness?
"PREACH" The Divination Of Cleveland Revisited
"I would say judge nothing before its time. I've heard there are many who have been presumptuous regarding the show and they really don't know what the show is about," said Williams. "I would encourage people to watch and see because it's really not what most think." ~ Taketa Williams
L to R: Taketa Williams, Belinda Scott, Linda Roark, Kelly Crews |
Is this a mockery of God, his church and his people? Some time ago, I wrote an article regarding the false prophets and their gathering in Cleveland, OH and the over the top statements of the self proclaimed prophetess Belinda Scott.
In this new TV expose, called "PREACH" It seems that Scott, also a self proclaimed "major prophet",(whatever that is) and at least three other like minded cohorts, exude their exaltation over the people of God by declaring that they are special and unique "instruments of God in the earth".
At least one of them, Linda Roark, seems to be enamored with thoughts of being a Black woman, claiming to be a "blue eyed soul sister", while another, Taketa Williams, claims to be the "Beyonce of gospel". (I really don't know what significance that has to anything, or even how to interpret that association)
What makes it even worse, is that each of them have "proteges" whose functions range anywhere from a foot masseuse, a go-for, to a an unarmed security guard, or simply a personal servant. These "proteges", who readily admit very serious, deep and even traumatic, past personal experiences, are particularly vulnerable at the hands of these "prophets" who seem to manage their protege's feelings, attitudes and even thoughts on issues. In other words instead of gaining their freedom, the 'proteges" are ripe for seduction, misuse, misdirection and mishandling at the hands of the "PROFITS" and boy
Proteges of the prophets |
The initial show was an hour of not only spiritual misdirection, but one of scriptural malpractice (in what little scripture was quoted), mental, and even at times, verbal abuse, self-exaltation, self-aggrandisement.
1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1- Be faithful to the word of God. A false prophet is not only known or exposed by what they "foretell" (because even secular magicians can do that), they are exposed by their lifestyle and the God that they preach and endorse. These women believe, like others in times past, that their "gift" places them in a specially exalted position in the church, and that they are "above" all us common folk, and, in essence, that we need to wash their feet and serve them. In other words, they have no concept of the words of Jesus that he who is greatest among us is servant of all. It is a reversal of true, biblical and godly roles all the way around.
Then, us little folk dare not correct these self-exalted wonders...Remember it was Belinda Scott that stated that no one could correct her or even call her into question unless they had a "national platform" of ministry. In other words, according to her, not only do various preachers have a "rank", but the authentication of the gift of God is directly associated with that "rank" and the exposure of the individual within the modern corporate settings of the Christian church. This whole system and sentiment is sad, certainly unbiblical, but is unfortunately accepted by many in grass roots movements such as these.
1 Pet. 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
2- Don't disassociate from engaging the error of the unrighteous. Many people say, "why watch this mess to begin with?" In my opinion the only reason to watch it is to address the confusion that arises from it. Neither Paul nor John nor any of the apostles backed down from false doctrines and false movements in their day. In fact, according to scripture, they were well aware of the false doctrines that were being taught and the false teachers who were teaching it. So burying one's head in the sand does not seem to be a technique that either Jesus, nor his apostles took. Why should we, with the truth, be so alienated from society because evil wants to rear its head? If we fulfill our mission to be like Jesus and "tread upon the serpent's head" then we will seek to stomp out the ungodly ideas, values and mission of the evil one every time we get a chance.
Ephes. 6:11-13
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
3- Know the real enemy and be prepared. In many instances these women are misdirected. In some cases they intentionally deceive for their own gain. Whatever motivation there might be, there is a disconnect of the Spirit of God and their understanding. In fact, if you carefully notice, most of them only use scripture as a "springboard" to teach and do what they do. They do not go indepth in deciphering biblical principles, and do not use scripture as a final authority or direct individuals toward scripture to settle issues or to find guidance. It is the "feelings", "leading: or "impressions" that do the deciphering of truth, not the word of God. This is called spiritual subjectivism and as such is dangerous and unbiblical and more akin to gnosticism, than how we are taught biblically to discern truth.
In addition, at the end of the day, satan opposes the church and all of them that do righteously and believe in righteousness. We can certainly expect that he will pull out all stops to get as many believers as he can off into mysticism and any sort of belief that exalts and worships man, as opposed to God.
Conclusion
This show displays the depth and breadth of the idolatry that many within the church have embraced in modern times. There is a real cost to them that believe and follow these false prophets and their lifestyles. This was evident when one of the "proteges" came home and told her husband that she would be "fasting" immediately for her particular "prophet" and that he and the family would simply have to understand that her time was the Lord's and that they would have to make it the best way possible.
Once again, this was not based on any biblical standards, but solely based on what the protege 'felt" was right and acceptable. Everything, including marriage was a sad second to what the "prophet" needed. This was certainly ungodly, unbiblical and not in accord with scripture.
When will we learn and when will we truly be upset so much to make a change and put these prophets out of business? I don't know, but it remains to be seen.
Blessed!
Charisma Opinion: "Reality Show...Makes Mockery Of True Prophetic Ministry"
Sorry for the appearance. Blogger is not allowing all content in the article to come through properly. I suppose they will make a fix. We'll see, but if you don't know the scriptures referenced, please look them up, they are generally in every bible-LOL!!!!
ReplyDeleteThey do go indepth in deciphering biblical principles, and do not use scripture as a final authority or direct individuals toward scripture to settle issues or to find guidance......Is "They do go indepth" a type? They do or they don't?
ReplyDeleteThat was my mistake and THANK YOU for pointing it out...Naw...they DON'T go indepth in deciphering or interpreting the bible at all...That's the sad part.
DeleteAwesome and truthful exposition. I engaged in a similar conversation with someone today about this very thing. as it surrounded Pimp Preachers of LA with Noel Jones, Clarence McClendon et al. I found myself in deep anguish and flooded with tears yesterday, as I asked God, "Is there just one preacher that will declare truth as opposed to selling out and will speak the oracles of God no matter how great persecution might get."
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, the Apostle Paul and many of those in the Bible never referred to themselves with Apostle, Bishop, Pastor, First Lady (and that's a whole nutha utha topic), but many today will slaughter you if you refer to them without that title in front of their name. People, keep trying to alter God's word.
On another topic but something else the devils are trying to change, "fasting" has nothing to do with fasting from your phone, the internet, eliminating chocolate et cetera...at least not what my Bible says. When the doctor tells you to fast for your medical tests, do they say no television, phone, internet? No! Keep it real... Flesh wanna eat. Again, another piece of attempting to twist the Word of God.
Thanks Carla but there are a few things here to make sure we are on point in understanding and exposition.
DeleteTitles are nothing to be ashamed of and God has called people, by HIS own will to certain offices. Paul called himself an Apostle
1 Cor. 1:1 ~ Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
Rom. 1:1 ~ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
As an Apostle there were certain duties that he had that others did not. I only say this because Paul references that he was "called" to that office or position. He calling was not like the others and it was later based on a different set of circumstances than the Apostleship of say Peter or John.
The office of Bishop is outlined in Timothy and is said that he that desires that office desires a "good work" (1 Tim. 3:1) Now some reduce this to the form of a pastor and on could do that I suppose, but the fact is that scripture outlines that as an "office" and a position that was respected within the NT church.
Paul further reviewed this comparing the pastor, or the one who broods over the word, to an ox that treads out the corn commending people to NOT reduce him to nothing and to take care of his material needs by saying:
1 Tim. 5:18 ~ For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
This acknowledges not only the office, but also the duty or moral obligation that the body of believers have to care for the GOOD shepherd that does what God tells him to do in his service to the Lord and on behalf of the people.
So far as "first lady" that is only an appellation or acknowledgement of the woman who is the pastor's wife. remember they, the pastor or "ox" as God calls him and the spouse are ONE FLESH and this carries importance to God as well as HE has established the family based upon this union. Some may read more into it, but don't minimize it as it is important to God to acknowledge not only the spiritual leader but the ONE unit that he and she are in the eyes of God.
I say all of this because there is some very bad teaching on these subjects coming from people who are scriptural minimalists. They seek to "prove" that the NT church did not have pastors or leaders and buy into some Catholic conspiracy in church building. These ideas and concepts are ridiculous and phoney like many of these false prophets I reference in this article.
Otherwise I certainly agree with your comments, but don;t be so down on spiritual leaders. it and they are biblical concepts and constructs, furthermore the good ones are given by God himself!
Unfortunately I was a protegee with one of the above woman and I ended up leaving the church right before this show. I am still going thru my healing process but thru it all I learned what is God and what is not. I had only been to 2 churches my whole life and got saved late in life and didn't really understand everything. I just loved Jesus and wanted to be a servant and be used by God to bring in souls. Spiritual abuse is for me liken to the molestation I experience as a child as a young believer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Lynn. I saw this commentary in the wrong commentary bin on the system. Sorry for the delay in posting as people need to hear your testimony regarding this sort of error and what it does to people.
DeleteOne thing is for sure, these people are not servants of GOd, they are servants of self! Like Nephilim, who were "men" not angles, these people have gifts but use them to promote self and foolishness.
Don't worry, there is a judge, they will be judged and they will pay. The bible these supposedly preach from is real!