4. Be Careful, Religion Put Jesus on a Cross
I remember seeing an outlandish service take place. There were false prophecies flying everywhere, people being “slain in the spirit,” manifestations of people’s bodies that included gyrations, roaring, foaming at the mouth and slithering like snakes. These manifestations appeared demonic but were claimed to be angelic. Some onlookers were very disturbed by the excessive actions taking place in the service and let it be known to the leaders. They were told, “Be careful. It was religion that put Jesus on a cross.” This threat means one thing: Don’t question anything or you’ll be labeled an “anointing killer.” It’s the perfect way to keep people in the dark; causing them to cower in fear that they’re like those who crucified Christ.
5. God Told Me I Could
When self-proclaimed prophet Todd Bentley beats on people as he prays for them, he says God tells him to. In one service, he bragged about kicking people in the face and beating on old ladies (we wrote about this in Defining Deception so you can check out the footnotes there). Another false teacher I grew up very close to used to do whatever he wanted with the offering money and explained that God gave him permission to. Never trust a leader who justifies sin by saying God commanded it.
6. Donate or God Will Curse You
The famous “give or die” threat has raised a few dollars over the years. Some, like Oral Roberts, have even used the “give or I will die!” fundraising ploy. Is there some biblical truth to principles of giving, receiving and living a generous life? Of course. However, no one should ever trust a leader who says to give money or God will curse (or kill) someone. Back in my BC days (before Christ) I was in the crowd during a fundraiser in which a family was told if they didn’t give money to the building campaign that God would not give the barren mother a baby. Greed makes false teachers say whatever they can to get the mighty dollar.
7. If You’re Divisive, Expect a Disease
When I was 18 there was a family in our church who was leaving because they no longer trusted the leaders. The track record of the church told the story. Mishandling of funds was common. Upon leaving the church they encouraged a few others to leave because it was no longer a healthy place to be. I vividly remember the threat: If you divide the body of Christ then disease will come upon your body. This was common. A pastor within our church once had several leaders invest money into a deal guaranteeing a huge (and quick) return. It sounded too good to be true because it was. A businessman who was near 80 years old simply wanted to be paid back after his money was stolen but was told to keep quiet or else…
When people wonder why publicly calling out false teachers is a big deal, simply ask: Would you point out a known sex offender in a neighborhood full of children? Would you warn others if an active shooter were present in a shopping mall? Would you not pick up your infant if a pit bull entered the nursery? Of course. Then why wouldn’t we be faithful to point out dangers and protect the precious children of God?
Keep standing for the truth and holding fast to sound doctrine. Preach the truth. Refute error. Expose evil deeds.
There is a coming King who is building His church (Matthew 16:18). His reward will be great for those who stay faithful.
This article originally appeared here.
