Oneness Pentecostalism
Just hold tight to your bible and let Gods Word expose some interesting things going on close to home ! Before you begin, please visit http://www.carm.org/cults/cults.htm and read the agenda that makes certain groups/churches cultic. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
This church truly promotes such things.
Painful story started I think somewhere near Winter of 2005-2006. Wifes ( now x wife 6-30-07 )been going to a number of churches...... all charismatic. After a few churches that shes been attending I couldnt help but notice that she must be doing some studying on finding these churches that believe in the charismatic gifts for today. Well she found a good one at that this time and this is where my story starts. After attending this " Place of Praise " Church I asked her what kind of church is it. I anticipated it being a Holiness , FULL Gospel or Pentecostal church. To my suprise she said the pastor there told her it was a non-denominational church. Online he had also reported it being a non denominational church - http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20051105/NEWS/511050322?p=1&tc=pg I thought "glory"; my prayer has been answered" ! Finally she found a church where both me and her can grow spiritually together. But deep down I thought " That is simply too good to be true ". After a few visits there, I found out I was right. The first thing that was way out of wack, was this pastor had a visiting pastor for that evening. Yes, this was my first visit there and my wife wasnt with me. I thought it interesting that this pastor shared with the congregation that he either had attempted murdering his brother or he had murdered his brother. Wow I wasnt sure if it was scriptural or not that such a deed could procede a minister. I mean God forgives all sins but jeez; this one caught me off gaurd a bit and another thing came to mind' why was he telling us that? I cant remember what else was said. I kept having this vision of a pastor choking his brother play over and over in my head. I mean " how do you procede with a sermon after that revelation ya know? Anyway it was all understandable but then came the story that made me sick to my stomach. This visiting pastor began telling of an evening he had with this (Place of Praise) church's pastor "Mike Lane" at a resteraunt. It was raining cats and dogs and they were out in the parking lot. The details I cant remember quite well but this visiting pastor said that pastor Mike Lane wanted him to speak to this lady prophet. Thats it ! Here comes the freaky stuff. This pastor claims some lady prophet in the dark rainy night told him he was going to be a pastor in the future. When he said this I heard pastor Mike Lane "Amen" the comment. For all those who study anything about charismatic gifts of prophecy with scriptural understanding knows that prophecy in the realm of telling the future has no place in Christianity any longer. 1 Corinthians 13:8 says so and so does Rv:22:18: For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: When a prophet speaks, he speaks from Gods Mouth and declares it to be Gods Word. Im not going into a preaching sermon but to show you how obviously wrong the office of a prophet is for today. When you say you have a Word of knowledge or prophecy from God, you are adding to what is supposed to be our SUFFICIENT bible. We are to use the bible as our manual for Christian living. Its complete and sufficient for living a holy life.
Lk:4:4: And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. So when I hear the word "Prophet" outside of bible teachings A big ugly red flag raises its big ugly head and warns me " there is a false teacher at 12 oclock high". So that was enough for me to start investigating whats this church about. I mean my wife told me the pastor told her the church was non-denominational but here was this murderer proclaiming a prophet told him he would be a minister. Yes, he became a minister but its easy to see that one who eats dinner with a charismatic pastor and of course he probably believes in charismatic prophecy, it wouldnt take him much to become a minister if he believes a prophets prophecy is to come to pass right? Hey, by the way how easy is it to become a minister today.
With all these fruity doctrines around, it would make one wonder if our government or some religious institution would oversee who can be a minister. Its blown my mind whose out there claiming to be called of God ! Well lets get back to the story. The next visit there ( why did I go the second time I will never know ) I was sitting by my wife listening to the pastors sermon and he was into this frenzy of a sermon. I thought " never heard a non-denominational preacher preach like that", yelling and sweat rolling off his head. Nothing wrong with that mind you but definately not characteristic of a non-denominational preacher. Then what became the turning point of it this whole mess was that in the middle of his sermon he pointed to the congregation and scanned his finger across us all and said " you pentecostals " He just referred to HIS congregation as pentecostals. My mouth dropped open and I looked to my wife; with her knowing that I was onto this church as corrupt she point her finger in front of her mouth signaling for me not to say anything. Wow, was I squirming now. This pastor told my wife his church was non-denominational and also placed an editorial in our local newspaper that his church was non-denominational had just called his congregation "PENTECOSTALS"! So I started looking around for literature, there it was. A salute to the Azuza Street Revival in California. Pentecostalism wrote all over it. Tongues Tongues Tongues written all over it. Charismatic gifts abound. Then I found his website address on a card by the door. My mouth watered as I read that his church has a website. I was going to go through it with a fine tooth comb. On his base page was a link to his newspaper article claiming his church was non-denominational and to the left was links to his PENTECOSTAL DOCTRINES. I was flabbergasted. Ive studied on charismatic heresy before but never ran across a church that professed pentecostalism while announcing there church was non-denominational. So right away I sent an email to the pastor about it. My email was this , " how can you profess to be a non-denominational church but call the congregation pentecostals and have pentecostal doctrines on your site and have pentecostal literature in your church? His reply was " we are a non-denominational church with pentecostal faith" That was it. A short but rudely short reply to a question that demanded more detail. With curiousity I went to the United Pentecostals website and went through their doctrines there. My jaw opened wide again. I realized that not only had pastor Mike Lane followed Pentecostalism but he has copied many doctrines word for word directly from the United Pentecostals website !
Ive sent him 2 formal letters asking him to explain himself but he will not reply. I dont blame him. The bible says a deacon is to be blameless. 1Tm:3:2 And here is just one lie I have found. The first one. A very interesting one indeed. Then I began surfing these pentecostal doctrines spoken from the mouth of the monster. Ive studied them before but then I took notice to one in particular that I have read already on pastors Mikes website................ www.placeofpraise.org
Their doctrine DENYING THE 3 PERSONS IN THE GODHEAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes its true. Yes Ive just tagged this church with a big CULT tag. This church is a
"ONENESS PENTECOSTAL CHURCH" !! And the pastor is hiding its ugly denominational history by presenting itself to those curious as a non-denominational church.
Mt:7:15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Acts:20:29: For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
2Pt:2:1: But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
I began reading and reading. Downloading many sermons on oneness pentecostalism and understanding the trinity at www.sermonaudio.com
I realized this heresy was manifest back in 250 AD but kept its head low until the last 50 years. A certain group of pentecostals began teaching the "oneness" of God. Denying that the Father , Son and Holy Ghost are 3 persons distinctive and seperate yet each fully enveloping the fullness of the Godhead. This denomination denies what the protestant, orthodox Christian Church has taught its entire existance. So I began burning those audio sermons to CD's and sending them to my wifes pastor....
After a few months of me pleading with my wife to listen to what the scripture says about the Godhead and all those pentecostal doctrines she said, " why dont you tell the pastor what you tell me about all this"? Then she said I didnt have the balls to go tell him and that I wasnt s-h-i-t if I didnt tell him. Well it took about 5 minutes of thinking about this. I knew it was overdue to talk to him. I mean gosh, I sent him these emails about him claiming non-demoninationalism and pentecostal 4 times with only a short undetailed reply and no response to the audio sermons about the heresy I claim he's teaching so I went over there. I was mad but not at him really. This fellow is a very nice and polite gentleman. He deserves respect that much. I have called him on the phone before and he was polite and attentive to what I had to say. It was an unannounced visit and church service was going to start in about 30 minutes so I knew there was not much time to get involved but I did want to get a few things across. Mainly that he was teaching something contrary to what God says and it was about God All MIGHTY Himself ! Would you believe he tried to give me an analogy about his perception of who God was according to the Trintiy? Ok shoot it to me; I have to hear this. He said (paraphrasing) God is.. well imagine a woman, this woman is a mother, this woman can also be an aunt and this woman can be a lady ( not sure about the 3rd example there but more or less I got his point). His point was exactly what it says on his website ! That the Godhead DOES NOT CONSIST OF 3 PERSONS BUT God has manifested himself in 3 different offices or manifestations. THIS IS HERESY !!!
One thing to go around saying that all that come to Christ can be healed, another to say one will speak in tongues as a sign of salvation but to corrupt the truth about who God is , is worthy to stir a new desire to expose a deception that had made it all the way into my house. I asked my wife if she believed what he teaches. She refused to answer. I asked her if she beleived what God says about those who support such damanable heresies. 2Jn:1:11: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. She refused to answer. I asked her if someone asked her what denomination was her church what would she say. She refused to answer. Wo, let me get back to this church visit. I thought to myself what does God say about Pasor Mike Lane saying that God is a manifestation of 3 offices? 1Jn:5:7: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. LOOK ! These 3 are ONE. But pastor ML ( Mike Lane) says there is one God who manifested himself in 3 offices ! DO YOU NOT BELIEVE ME WHEN I TELL YOU THIS? We will now start to dwell into the website of this pastors church. DO NOT FORGET that this pastor has copied many doctrines directly from the Unite Pentecostals site www.upci.org and their doctrinal page http://www.upci.org/doctrine.asp
but claims his church is a non-denominational church ( something I wont ever get over I suppose). Anyway here we go....
The first thing many Oneness Pentecostals will adhere to is Deut 6:4. This is on ML's site- There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). He is the creator of heaven and earth, and of all living beings. He has revealed Himself to humanity as the Father (Creator), in the son (Savior), and as the Holy Ghost (indwelling Spirit). There is none other god beside Him, not one.
Right there you can get the feel of what is going on.
Then theres this... God is a Spirit (John 4:24). He is the Eternal One, the Creator of all things, and the Father of all humanity by creation. He is the First and the Last, and beside Him there is no God (Isaiah 44:6). There was no God formed before Him; neither shall be there any after Him (Isaiah 43:10).
and then this...... Jesus is the Son of God according to the flesh (Romans 1:3) and the very God Himself according to the Spirit (Matthew 1:23). Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:16); the creator of all things (Colossians 1:16-17); God with us (Matthew 1:23); God made flesh (John 1:1-14); God manifested in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16);He which was, which is, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8);the mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus Himself testified of His identity as God when He said, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:7-11) and "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). It took the shedding of blood for the remission of the sins of the world (Hebrews 9:22), but God the Father was a Spirit and had no blood to shed. Thus He prepared a body of flesh and blood (Hebrews 10:5)and came to earth as a man in order to save us. That is why when He came in flesh the angels sang, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).
As you can see, this doctrine is giving obvious indication that there are no disctinctions between God the Father and God the Son. So many corrupt doctrines emerge when you do not take in account ALL THAT THE BIBLE HAS TO SAY ON SUCH A SUBJECT. Tongues for today is a perfect example.
So now this pastor has got you thinking " hmmm God is one entity who manfiests himself in different offices and there really isnt any disctinctions between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. So lets continue reading and this is what is said about the Holy Ghost..... The Holy Ghost is not a third person in the Godhead, but rather the Spirit of God (the Creator), the Spirit of the resurrected Christ. The Holy Ghost comes to dwell in the hearts and lives of everyone who believes and obeys the gospel. The Holy Ghost is our comforter, sustainer, and keeper (John 14:16-26; Romans 8:9-11). The Holy Ghost is only one of the three manifestations of the one true living God of Israel.
Well there you have it. The hammers finally fell. Take a good look at that. He says the Holy Ghost is only a manifestation of God and not only that but the Holy Ghost is only one of 3 manifestations of God. Could this be true what this pastor is saying?
Lets read what the pastor says about one of the most beloved verses in all of Christianity. John 3:16-17: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. How beautiful God the Father sent his Son Jesus to die for sins.
What does pastor ML say. And this wont be paraphrased but copied directly from his webpage.... http://www.placeofpraise.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=browse&id=1889&pageid=44
It took the shedding of blood for the remission of the sins of the world (Hebrews 9:22), but God the Father was a Spirit and had no blood to shed. Thus He prepared a body of flesh and blood (Hebrews 10:5)and came to earth as a man in order to save us.
Hey, why doesnt pastor Mike Lane say that God sent his son to earth for mankind? He's saying that God changed himself from the Father into the Son !! Thats not right is it? What does God say about those who denie that God sent his Son to earth?
1Jn:2:22: Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1Jn:4:3: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
2Jn:1:7: For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Could this be? Does scripture say that pastor Mike Lane of Place of Praise is an antichrist? Its what Im seeing. Its a nasty feeling I have. I wish I was wrong but Im going on what I have read and what I have heard. Please show me that Im wrong because this is very discomforting. Is it possible that I still could be wrong after all this. Does Pastor ML really deny the existance of the 3 persons in the Godhead? Well lets continue what he says about the Godhead in another biblical situation. Baptism
Here is his formula ( this non-denominational pastors formula for baptism mind you )---------------------------The name in which baptism is administered is vitally important, and this name is Jesus. Jesus' last command to His disciples was, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). We should notice that He said name (singular) not names. As previously explained, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names of separate persons, but titles of positions held by God. An angelic announcement revealed God's saving name in the New Testament: "She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). The apostles understood that Jesus was the name to use at baptism, and from the day that the church of God was established (the Day of Pentecost) until the end of their ministry, they baptized all nations (Jews--Acts 8:16; Gentiles--Acts 19:5) in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus is the only name given for our salvation. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Here you see a formulated theory used for doing something contradictory to Gods Word. Its obvious that we are to be baptized under the titles of God. Each title of God in the person to which God can be represented. You will see this explained in great detail in the links I will provide at the end of this message. In fact if you think about it, if pastor ML is correct than we should be baptized in the name of JESUS , JESUS, JESUS right. If Jesus IS Jehovah and Jesus IS the Holy Spirit than what would be wrong baptising in such a way? Because God said " do it that way" ! Its is obvious and without a doubt that this pastor denies the Godhead. There is too much information here to close your eyes to this issue. Again he says " As previously explained, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names of separate persons, but titles of positions held by God. "
Now I want you to step back a couple of steps and see what is taking place. It is as though this pastor has stumbled on a doctrine thats been sitting there before us waiting to be exposed by some spiritual person who has special insight on who God is. He has gone to great lengths to formulate and present this claim. Why? Because Satan is a liar and there is no truth in him. Satan is not just on the outside of church buildings my friend. He is every place where the faith is not contended for. Jude:1:4: For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Even here in Jude it appears to differentiate between God the Father and God the Son doesnt it?
Well I thought to myself one day. I wonder what the head honcho at the United Pentecostal Church would think about a person who uses their doctrines from their website but claim non-denominationalism.......HMMM? HEY ! I'll write to them. Which I did. I got this interesting reply- Unfortunately, I cannot tell you why he calls himself non-denominational if he is really Pentecostal. I can only guess. Perhaps, he feels that he can reach more people if he is not branded as being Pentecostal. However, that seems like a disguise to me. Personally, since I am Pentecostal, I want everyone to know that I am Pentecostal. I am not ashamed of who or what I am.
He is the only one who can answer that question.
Have a wonderfully blessed day.Robert H. FullerEditor in Chief
United Pentecostal Church International 8855 Dunn Road, Hazelwood, MO 63042-2212
Office: 314.837.7304 X433 Cell: 314.422.3890
Fax: 314.336.1807 E-mail: rfuller@upci.org
Even the Editor in Chief couldnt come up with a certain answer. But of course not. What reason could be there but deceiving. After I sent ML request to elaborate on his 2 denominational church and getting NO RESPONSE, I decided to send him the letter that Robert Fuller of the UPCI sent me. This should definately stir him to respond. Guess what " no response" But should he ever respond , you'll be the first to know !
Well lets go back to my short visit at Place of Praise. I asked ML if they did the slain in the spirit thing. He said " what do you mean"? I said " you know that being knocked down and out of control by the power of the spirit thing". He said "no but if it were to happen he would attribute it to the power of the Holy Spirit". I thought that was quite interesting. He told me he had been a preacher for 31 years and that his pentecostal faith was the only one he practiced. Now that was a twist for me to understand. A pastor that did not have a "slaying" but would attribute such a phenomona if it were to happen in his chuch to the power of the Holy Ghost. Well that told me alot really. An experience in the church that wouldnt be questioned by scripture. Definately not a smart thing to do I think. He said that John the revelator fell forward by the power of the Holy Ghost. I said " That is correct" He fell forward but ALL THOSE WHO FELL BACKWARDS IN THE BIBLE WERE BEING HELD IN JUDGEMENT BY GOD !!! The charismatic church thinks they are being blessed by God by falling backwards but according to scripture they are simulating being held in judgement !!! Read this about the subject http://www.pbase.com/kippercat/image/51237849
This is what happens when you dont test the spirits ! Eph:4:14: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
1Jn:4:1 Pastor ML didnt say anything. I kind of felt sorry for him ( for that moment) I hate to be the one who comes between a man and his relationship to God but when its a relationship based on lies I feel its more important that I do make waves. I then asked him who took the scroll out of the hand of God in Revelation 5:1-9: And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.... What did he say about this? You ask him...... mlane16@triad.rr.com
Well there you have it. Revelations is full of symbolism but I dont think you can deny that Jesus took the book and opened it out of the right hand of the one who sits on the throne. If you deny it here, you have to deny so much more. That is why Im attaching links that proclaim the Trinity and denouncing Pastor Mikes Lanes teachings of the Oneness of God.
1. Go to www.seromonaudio.com and register there for free. Then do a search on "Trinity" , " Oneness Pentecostalism", "Pentecostalism", "cults", " heresy" and "charismatic". Be bewildered at what is there to listen to. For in fact many cds were burned from this site and sent to Pastor Mike Lane. On my visit there I asked him if he had listened to any of them. No suprise to hear him answer " no ".
2 http://ernchez.tripod.com/home/home.htm
3 http://www.aomin.org/CHALC.html
4 http://www.altupc.com/articles/boyd.htm
5 http://www.pfrs.org/oneness/op03.html
6 http://www.bible.ca/trinity/trinity-modalism.htm
7 http://www.carm.org/search/search.pl?Terms=oneness
8 http://www.focusonthefaulty.com/Pages/oneness.html
9 This website http://www.bible.ca/trinity/trinity-modalism-UPC-60-questions-godhead.htm refutes the 60 reasons God is not 3 persons which is shown in a link to a churches website where Pastor Mike Lane was an associate pastor !!! Christ Temple Church in Winston-Salem. Their website http://www.christtemplechurch.com/whatwebelieve.htm You will see the link to the ONENESS theory but that link is mysteriously DEAD right now.
10. God in 3 persons at http://www.focusonthefaulty.com/Pages/oneness.html
11 One of the BEST websites refuting Oneness Pentecostalism. Probably my favorite site !! http://www.letusreason.org/Onendir.htm
12 http://www.carm.org/oneness.htm
13 http://www.equip.org/articles/-oneness-pentecostals-and-the-trinity-and-trinity-and-process-/
14 http://www.spiritualabuse.org/issues/onenessvtrinity.html
15 http://www.equip.org/articles/is-jesus-the-father-and-the-holy-spirit-/
16 http://www.carm.org/questions_Jesus.htm
17 http://www.letusreason.org/Tridir.htm
18 http://www.equip.org/bible_answers/is-oneness-pentecostalism-biblical-/
19 http://www.carm.org/oneness/whatisoneness.htm
Lets visit another claim at pastor ML's website. Divine Healing
God has made Himself known through the ages by miraculous healings and has made special provisions in the age of grace to heal all who will come to Him in faith and obedience. Divine healing was purchased for us by the blood of Jesus Christ, especially by His stripes (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; I Peter 2:24). Jesus went everywhere healing those who were sick (Matthew 4:23-24), and He commanded His disciples to do the same (Matthew 10:8). He said concerning those who believe the gospel, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:18). Mighty healings and miracles followed the disciples wherever the gospel was preached. There is no sickness or disease too hard for God. Any of us, our children, or our friends can be healed by the power of God. "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord shall raise him up: and if he have committed sins they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed" (James 5:14-16).
There you have it. ML says that all who come to Christ in faith can be PHYSICALLY HEALED ! Is this what the bible says? If so, we need to dig up the saved souls from the grave that died from death and disease and see what they have to say about it ! Just look at the claim. He has mixed spiritual healing verses with the miraculous apostolic physical healings of the first century. Look at what he did to Matthew 10:8 ! He changed the word APOSTLES to DISCIPLES !!! Apostles are disciples but disciples cant be apostles!!!! Do your studying. These miracles were to attest of the validity of the apostles. Mathew 10:5 which is just 3 verses before says this: These twelve Jesus sent forth...... In Mark 16:15 its elaborates --- And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Mighy miracles followed the APOSTLES not the disciples. The word which was brought to the world from God was confirmed by miracles. But that was THEN. Now is just that... NOW. We are to live by faith and not by the things we see or hear. Heb:11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. In fact the bible says the apostles raised the dead. Now if you can show me someone that can raise the dead.....call me and then I will listen. Mt:10:8: Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Interesting how in ONE PARAGRAPH about the same subject with this one claim, the first and last sentence of that paragraph dont correspond with each other. 1st sentence says: God has made Himself known through the ages by miraculous healings and has made special provisions in the age of grace to heal all who will come to Him in faith and obedience.- and the last sentence says "and pray one for another, that ye may be healed" Hmm one says certain healing and the other says uncertain healing. This is perfect example of how someone can try to make the bible say something that it really doesnt say at all.
This is just a short work on what can go wrong in a church. Is it all intentional ? I cant say. I do think its very interesting because if Christians are led to truth by the power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God it makes me wonder about a pastor of 30 years who teaches things that are so obviously contrary to scripture. What is going on?
Well thats enough for now. Yes , only 4 visits and it was all that this bible believing, faith contending Christian could tolerate. If it werent for my wife insisting to go continue going there I probably wouldnt have studied on the subject of oneness pentecostalism and exposed it. We cant stop all the evil in this word, but if every Christian would do their part to contend for the faith there wouldnt be as much heresy in the world as there is today.
MARK THEM AND AVOID THEM--"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." (Romans 16:17)
SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM THEM--"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," (2 Corinthians 6:17)
REBUKE THEM--"...rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;" (Titus 1:13)
REJECT THEM--"A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject;" (Titus 3:10)
WITHDRAW FROM THEM--"...we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." (2 Thessalonians 3:6)
TRY THEM--"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits wheth I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." (Romans 16:17)
REPROVE THEM--"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Ephesians 5:11)
TURN AWAY FROM THEM--"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (2 Timothy 3:5)
HAVE NO COMPANY WITH THEM--"And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed." (2 Thessalonians 3:14)
RECEIVE THEM NOT--"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 1:10-11)
