We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Steve Cioccolanti - A Pastor to Avoid


COMMENTS ARE CLOSED ON THIS POST.  THE MAJORITY OF COMMENTS RECEIVED OVER THE PAST COUPLE MONTHS HAVE BEEN NO MORE THAN AD HOMINEM ATTACKS.  OTHERS ARE JUST REPEATING THE SAME CLAIMS ALREADY ADDRESSED IN PREVIOUS COMMENTS.  READ THE ARTICLE AND THE COMMENTS AND ALL YOUR CONCERNS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.  YOU WILL NOT CHANGE MY VIEWS AS TO THE FALSE TEACHING EXPOSED IN THIS ARTICLE.

A teacher to warn you about was brought to my attention by one of my readers: his name is Steve Cioccolanti.  Since his base is Australia, and most of his missions are in Southeast Asia and Indonesia, he will probably remain unknown among most American Christians.  However, it appears that he often travels to teach his eschatological beliefs, and everyone can find him on the Internet, so I believe there should be warnings about him also posted on the Internet.

Now, I have to say up front that it appears that his fundamental doctrinal positions are mostly sound, but the things which take him out of the “sound teacher” category are numerous.  So let me highlight these things, which I read on his blog, his Church site, and a video I was linked to for review.

Cioccolanti’s teachings on eschatology play fast and loose with conspiracy theories, numerology, and space aliens.  His speculations range from rational to bizarre, especially when he starts talking about the “cover-up” at Roswell.

Steve has written a book titled, “The Divine Code from 1 to 2020.”  While reading the reviews, it appears there are a lot of claims about the symbolism of numbers and why it is important that we know about such things.

From his church site, under “Core Beliefs,” there is this statement about women in ministry:   "Women are an integral part of the Body of Christ which is neither male nor female, with gifts differing according to the grace that is given to them."  So does this mean that Steve believes women should be in leadership positions such as elders and pastors?  With all his other problems, I think he might very well lean that way - but there was no clear teaching about it that I could find.

Like many others in the charismatic genre, according to his church’s “Core Beliefs,” they  teach "divine healing" - with members of the church being the healers.  I believe this gift was limited to the Apostles.  Additionally, he has DVDs teaching this stuff, and he also makes one's "words" important in healing - positive confession stuff, i.e, like the “Word of Faith” (he has a whole section headed, "speak words of life," under prayers for healing).

Again under his church’s “Core Beliefs,” there is a paragraph titled, “Total Provision,” which comes across as what I would call “Word of Faith lite.” Cioccolanti does not appear to be like the average WOF, “name it and claim it” teachers from what I could tell, in that he seems stay away from the extreme end.

In the “pray” section on his church’s site, Cioccolanti has many rote prayers, as well as including Scripture about the subject under discussion.  A lengthy prayer for his church ends with this statement: "We are a supernatural church, composed of supernatural people doing supernatural things, for we are laborers together with God."
This immediately sends up red flags - in what way does he see his church and people being “supernatural,” and what “supernatural” things to they do?  I couldn’t find any answers to those questions on the site.

In his "prayer" for the nation (he gives Australia as the example), Steve does the same thing so many U.S. Christians do - he claims the promise of 2 Chron. 7:14.  I wrote about that abuse of Scripture on my blog here.

Cioccolanti teaches the very aberrant “spiritual warfare” model of “binding” Satan, as well as a whole prayer which includes claiming “the blood” of Christ.

The prayer by members for the pastor is very, very presumptuous, telling God that His Spirit rests on Cioccolanti, etc.  And towards the end of the prayer they tell God that they will stand by their pastor and not criticize him, etc.  So if he teaches error, they pray that they won't confront him with it!

His "prophet's prayer" is claiming during the prayer that the person praying is indeed a prophet!  Shades of NAR and IHOP!

In his "pledge to sexual purity" prayer, Cioccolanti specifically says that God spoke to him!  "God told me to challenge people to make a personal pledge to sexual purity in 4 areas."  God TOLD him.  Direct revelation!  Right.

In his prayer for "studies and exams," Steve again claims to know what God wants; "If you’re a student, God wants to put you above the rest of the class."  This guy reminds me a whole lot about Beth Moore with all HER claims of direct revelation (although she doesn't claim to be a prophet.)  Then he says the two things you must do to pass exams are to (1) pray for an hour in "tongues" and (2) "confess the Scriptures" - yep, name it and claim it!

Cioccolanti is part of the whole "Rhema" charismania association, which, puts him right in shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Kenneth Hagan and the rest of the WOF crowd.

So here is the summation about problems with Steve Cioccolanti:
Aberrational eschatology
Fascination with numerology
Apparent acceptance of women in pastoral roles
Divine healing teachings
Aberrant Word of Faith teachings (including “name-it-and-claim-it”)
Claims of supernatural powers for both himself and his church
Misuse of Scripture (i.e., poor hermeneutics)
Aberrant and false spiritual warfare teachings
Not accountable to his congregation for any teaching errors
Claims to be a prophet
Claims direct revelation from God


This is NOT a pastor who can be trusted with solid Biblical teachings.

88 comments:

Paradox Blue said...

All of this "God told me" stuff is
terrible.It just amazes me how deep deception can go.Bless you Glenn.

Anonymous said...

Steve has already started in on Young people in the united states.
He is so far off he needs to to stopped. He is such a fake

Anonymous said...

is this a review of one of God's creations or a judgement on one of God's creations? Steve teachings on Jesus Christ and the blood of Jesus saving your soul is always on point. Numbers in the Bible are extremely important and need to be followed same as the Sun Moon and stars we need to be paying attention to says the Bible healing through prayer is what Pentecost was all about and it also concerns the Holy Spirit who it sounds like you are denying .the supernatural realm what is unseen is what we all as Christians live in and non Christians like getting lined up with the supernatural is being wined up with God's will. This is Bible 101 if you know Genesis to Revelation. I pray the Holy Spirit enters you and convicts you have this terrible judgment you're placing on one of our brothers.wishy washy face in these days is unacceptable considering what we as Christians are dealing with at this very moment.as long as the message of Jesus is getting through why be so concerned with petty details? he has actually inspired me to be more of a disciple and apostle and I am no longer shameful of spreading the message of Jesus to random strangers as I did today.if I am the only person he has helped through his ministry it was well worth it and the Kingdom expands. all it seems to me that you are doing is creating division for no real purpose

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous 1/15/14,

First, neither Cioccolanti nor any other person is a creation God. God created only two people - Adam and Eve. The rest of us came about by procreation - the process God put into place.

This article is a review judging the teachings of Mr. Cioccolanti. I stated in this review “that his fundamental doctrinal positions are mostly sound,” which means I do not disagree with his teachings about the essential gospel.

The only time numbers are important in the Bible is when the Bible makes it clear that they are. Cioccolanti makes up things about numbers which have no biblical basis - it’s just because he says so. I suggest you read the Bible and compare what he says versus what Scripture says. And if you have a specific disagreement with what I said, then I ask you to show me from Scripture where I err.

You say, “the Bible healing through prayer is what Pentecost was all about,” but you will see no mention of healing through prayer at Pentecost. And the primary “healing” that Christ brought is spiritual healing - not physical. Physical healing in the NT was done ONLY by Christ and his apostles - no one else had that power given to them. Does God still heal through prayer? I believe he does, but not through any man who claims to be a healer.

Could you please explain to me where it sounds like I am denying the Holy Spirit?

It seems to me that you have been greatly deceived into believing unbiblical ideas about the Holy Spirit. I’m not putting any “terrible judgment” on Mr. Cioccolanti, rather I am judging his teachings when compared to Scripture.

What you call “petty details” have been fought and died over for centuries. There is truth and there is false teachings. The “petty details” of false teaching are dangerous - spiritually dangerous.

I am not creating division - I am exposing the false teaching, the false doctrines of Mr. Cioccolanti as noted specifically in the article. Truth will cause division from that which isn’t true.

You had a very long comment with essentially no example of what I wrote being in error. If you have a counter argument to what I have written, please be specific and explain where I have erred.

Unknown said...

I have to agree with the previous anonymous. I believe that numbers are important along with many other things Steve touches on. You say he goes into conspiracy theories and what not, but its really not that crazy. The devil is working in the US government and entertainment industry and America is changing so rapidly that even I who am 24 do not recognize the world I live in due to the pure evil that is becoming acceptable. Everything Steve has said that I have seen he backs up with scripture that I then go and verify if it is out of context. Do not be so narrow minded to think that there is no conspiracy going on the devil just has the wool over every ones eyes and it blows my mind to see people so dumbed down. My generation pure makes me sick and my parents generation seem to be stuck on America is still a Christian nation and that America is not run by the Illuminati who is a satanic branch of the Masons who worship the god of Greek mythology. If you don't believe me just do a few minutes of research and you will see that the devil knows the time is near and the masses are dumbed down to the point that it is flaunted on almost every entertainment program, commercials you watch, and the garbage that my generation listens to that they call music. I believe you should pray for discernment on this issue before calling him a false prophet. Does he have everything right, probably not but I guarantee you don't either. Last I checked Jesus was only perfect being to every set foot on this planet....

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Mr. Webb,

I have to agree with the previous anonymous. I believe that numbers are important along with many other things Steve touches on.

Numbers are important when the BIBLE makes them important. Steve finds all sorts of imaginary reasons for numbers just because he says they are important, but he has no Biblical evidence to support any of his claims. He just makes speculations and then asserts that his interpretation of what numbers means is true.

You say he goes into conspiracy theories and what not, but its really not that crazy. The devil is working in the US government and entertainment industry and America is changing so rapidly that even I who am 24 do not recognize the world I live in due to the pure evil that is becoming acceptable.

So, then, you agree with Steve that there are aliens who arrived at Roswell and the government is conspiring to cover it up? Of course satan’s influence is in the world and the entertainment industry, etc. But that doesn’t mean every country is conspiring together - especially since Islamic countries have only one goal in mind, which is complete subjugation of the world. Steve again makes assertions in every one of his conspiracy theories. Assertions are not facts. He is fast and loose with the data he presents, so as to concoct some great conspiracy. This is pure paranoia.

Everything Steve has said that I have seen he backs up with scripture that I then go and verify if it is out of context.

Then I suggest you take a short course in proper hermeneutical principles. His Word of Faith teachings are complete twisting of Scripture.

Do not be so narrow minded to think that there is no conspiracy going on the devil just has the wool over every ones eyes and it blows my mind to see people so dumbed down.

There are indeed conspiracies within our own government, as well as with others, as they seek to turn the entire world into one socialist community. But Steve brings in aliens and other nonsense into the mix.

My generation pure makes me sick and my parents generation seem to be stuck on America is still a Christian nation and that America is not run by the Illuminati who is a satanic branch of the Masons who worship the god of Greek mythology.

I am your parents’ generation, and I know this has NEVER been a Christian nation, because it wasn’t founded as a pure Christian nation. It WAS founded on Christian principles, but those of my age who aren’t wrapped up in some sort of false teachings know that the Scripture says things will become worse and worse, and that false teachers in the church will add to the problem. Your claim as to the existence of the Illuminati shows your lack of research - there is no such thing. And your misunderstanding about who Masons worship sounds like something you got from a Chick tract. Freemasonry is indeed a pagan religious belief system, one which I have studied for decades, but they don’t worship a “god of Greek mythology.”

I believe you should pray for discernment on this issue before calling him a false prophet. Does he have everything right, probably not but I guarantee you don't either. Last I checked Jesus was only perfect being to every set foot on this planet....

I pray that YOU will have discernment to see that Steve is a false teacher. I listed the subjects in which his teachings are false, and I challenge you to address THOSE issues from Scripture. Oh, and I never, ever claimed to have everything right.

Anonymous said...

mr chatfield,

you are very much INSECURE to ptr. steve. if don't agree, then it's fine. just refrain from either talking or emailing unfruitful issues. you are just causing confusion and deception. that's all.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous 2/7,

I don’t understand what you mean by saying I am “INSECURE” to Steve. The phrase doesn’t make sense.

Please explain to me why Christians shouldn’t expose false teachers? Please explain how it is “unfruitful” to warn Christians against teachers who could hurt them spiritually?
Please explain where this post of my causes “Confusion.”
And please explain how this post causes “deception,” when I am the one exposing the deception of Steve!?!

Anonymous said...

If you are going to judge this man, call him out. Through the website one cannot directly email Pastor Steve. He is totally on point on Jesus shed blood at Calvary's cross for the remission of sin. When he teaches, "God told me", he means the Holy Spirit, our counselor, guide and prompter. If you don't have him living in you, you are NO discernment or gifts of the Holy Spirit. Christianity IS the great confession. We are to say with out MOUTHS and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord. Jesus continually spoke aloud to demons of sickness and disease throughout His earthly ministry. He commands us to do His works and speaking with authority and in the power of the Holy Spirit, one of them is to cast out demons (often the enforcers of physical disease). So yeah, I sure do speak aloud for things to leave and call out for Jesus - He saved my life twice. Get over your common phrases...
I have just started watching Steve's videos and indeed prophecy is 1/3 of biblical knowledge. Our understanding of The Revelation of Saint John the Divine is essential. The Holy Spirit is our essential and only real teacher; others are helps along the way. Steve does makes some mistakes and Jesus did not do any work in hell. His finished work was the atonement.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous 1/19

If you are going to judge this man, call him out. Through the website one cannot directly email Pastor Steve.

I have not judged the man, rather I have judged his teachings. If I am biblically required to personally confront any false teacher before exposing their false teachings, could show me where it says this?

He is totally on point on Jesus shed blood at Calvary's cross for the remission of sin.

I didn’t say otherwise, did I?

When he teaches, "God told me", he means the Holy Spirit, our counselor, guide and prompter. If you don't have him living in you, you are NO discernment or gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I don’t disagree with the fact that the Holy Spirit lives in us and guides us. But that is not the same thing as claiming direct revelation from God. From my reading of Steve’s site, his claims are not that he is guided and prompted by the Holy Spirit, rather he claims direct knowledge of God’s thoughts, as I have demonstrated in my article.

Christianity IS the great confession. We are to say with out MOUTHS and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord.

So would you then deny that a mute could ever be a Christian?

Jesus continually spoke aloud to demons of sickness and disease throughout His earthly ministry.

I agree this is what Jesus did, because he is GOD and has that ability.

He commands us to do His works and speaking with authority and in the power of the Holy Spirit, one of them is to cast out demons (often the enforcers of physical disease).

Can you show me from Scripture where Jesus commanded believers to cast out demons?

So yeah, I sure do speak aloud for things to leave and call out for Jesus - He saved my life twice. Get over your common phrases...

Could you explain this? What “things” are you calling out to leave, and how do you know such things are even present? What are my “common phrases”?
I have just started watching Steve's videos and indeed prophecy is 1/3 of biblical knowledge. Our understanding of The Revelation of Saint John the Divine is essential.

Since you just started watching his videos, might I suggest you do not continue, since Steve’s teachings in this area not in alignment with historical, orthodox teachings? And is it really essential for our salvation to understand the Revelation of Jesus to John? Since this book has been argued over for 2000 years, isn’t it rather presumptuous for Steve to claim to KNOW the correct understanding? Is there really aliens from outer space who will take part in the end times?

The Holy Spirit is our essential and only real teacher; others are helps along the way. Steve does makes some mistakes and Jesus did not do any work in hell. His finished work was the atonement.

Steve makes a LOT of “mistakes,” as I noted above. His whole ministry is tainted by the various teachings I pointed out as being in error. I don’t understand the point of your last sentence.

I would suggest that you address the specific charges I have leveled against Steve and show me from Scripture where I am wrong in my assessment.

Even better, might I suggest you heed the warnings about Steve being an unsound teacher and no longer follow him?

Unknown said...

Response Part 1
Mr. Chatfield,
I do appreciate your passion and zeal for bible orthodoxy. Having read all of the posts thus far I was compelled to comment and to bring to light several points on both sides of the discussion. First and foremost, we ARE mandated to go to our brothers (and sisters) directly if we have something against them. Did you attempt to contact Pastor Steve to confront him on some of these issues? If you have, I would be interested to hear about it. If not, then, on principle alone, you have no business passing judgment on him in a public forum.
Secondly, fundamentally speaking, is Pastor Steve leading people to, or away from Jesus? We may agree to disagree on various doctrinal issues (those debates will only be silenced in heaven), however, there is an egregious error you have made in labeling Pastor Steve as a “false teacher”. When the disciples told Jesus that they rebuked a man for casting out demons in his name, Jesus rebuked THEM.
Luke 9:49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” 50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”
I would definitely say that Pastor Steve is FOR Jesus.
Some of your disagreements with Pastor Steve may simply stem from a simple misunderstanding. For example, I would have to disagree with you that God only created Adam and Eve, because scripture clearly says that the Father knit us together in our mother’s womb—the loving hands of our creator made each one of us individually and uniquely. Another example is healing. I doubt that Pastor Steve and his congregation are claiming that they are healing as the apostles did, and I agree that if they were taking advantage of people like other “faith healers” this is wrong. I don’t believe this is what’s happening here. Why are you straining out the knat and swallowing the camel? We ALL need healing on many levels. Healing is happening here. Without further investigation, your criticism is premature. Not to mention the fact that scripture is clear: in the end times there will be an increase in signs and wonders—yes, counterfeit signs and wonders as well, but miraculous events in His Kingdom (i.e., I do agree that in large, the original gift of “healing” died with Apostles, and I agree that in any situation, the healing always comes from God, but let’s not be too hasty to rule out what the Holy Spirit is doing today in an increasing manner).
Regarding numbers, honestly, I haven’t done much research. I just met a mathematician, however, (Doug Krieger) who has done extensive research and was elated to relay findings that the God of the Universe is mathematically perfect in every way (who knew? Lol).
Regarding aliens, Roswell, etc., I agree that on the surface these are some very unconventional topics coming from the pulpit. Even my initial reaction is to reject, but there is nothing wrong with gaining more information to make an informed opinion. I would suggest viewing the documentary “The Age of Deceit: Fallen Angels and the New World Order” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjmFm8PIz8M It’s a 2.5 hour documentary with in-depth research in areas that some consider “fringe Christianity.” That said, I think the film maker makes a good case for his conclusions about how Luciferianism is prevalent and how its tentacles are working toward “The Great Deception.” I see the evidence presented here align with scriptural principles.
(see part 2 for continuation)

Unknown said...

(Response Part 2)
In short, I haven’t run across anything either in the materials above, or in Pastor Steve’s teachings that directly contradict scripture. Some of it is conjecture, sure, but based on and extrapolated from the evidence available. We all have had a “direct word from God” when he may tell us to go and pray/cry/meet someone’s needs. We say “God told me to pray with you” and it’s true, but we are not lunatics for saying so. And it’s not just things that would directly correlate back to scripture either. When negotiating money for something (whether it be a special offering or something else), I will frequently offer a short prayer asking the Lord to give me a number, and he does! God frequently speaks to us through other Christians. I’m mature enough in my faith that it doesn’t surprise me when a brother or sister comes to me and tells me that they think God is saying something to me through them. I simply take the message humbly, compare it with scripture, and take it back to God to validate. Is this considered “direct knowledge of God?” I am vigilant for God’s word, maybe to a fault, but I will not second guess the Holy Spirit in matters that are gray.
One more thing, if I want to look at this with a critical eye, how am I to believe that you, Mr. Chatfield, have represented Steve’s teachings correctly? You give no specific reference to investigate, other than investigating his website on our own (let’s be real, no one is going to hunt and peck for this information, and as a valid researcher, you should provide a link to the source material, especially if you’re going to the extent of accusing him of being a false teacher). Honestly, how am I to know that you’re not just setting up “straw-man” arguments? If, say, you humbly took your concerns to Pastor Steve (having taken the log out of your own eye first) and had a truly negative experience and felt compelled to let your constituents know, then provide the details here of how you, in grace, handled the situation, and provided reference on where you thought Pastor Steve was incorrect in his understanding of scripture. I admit that even I don’t see eye-to-eye with Pastor Steve regarding speaking in tongues, but you don’t see me going to the extent of accusing him of being a false teacher when I haven’t even approached him as scripture mandates.
We are called to “encourage one another as you see the day approaching” and are warned against causing discord. I had great hesitation to respond to your post, fearing that I would violate Proverbs 26:4. I held on to the next verse, so please do not prove me wrong.
On a personal note, I work as a course developer and just finished a lesson on social media. Let me urge you to take extra care when posting anything to social media because it lives forever, and cannot be taken back. Unfortunately, this compounds the warning from scripture that we will be held accountable for every misspoken word.
My sincere hope is that I have helped you consider some deeper truths.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Mr. Walton,

Matthew 18 is about personal offenses, not public teachings. I am not mandated to communicate in any way with Mr. Cioccolanti. He has not sinned against me, but against God.

Cioccolanti does his teaching in public, ergo it is necessary to critique him in public. I have NOT judged Cioccolanti - I have judged his teachings.

I noted that Cioccolanti has overall fundamental doctrinal teachings and therefore he may be leading people to God. But that isn’t the point. He is also making unbiblical claims and therefore burdening his followers with unnecessary worries and other burdens.

He is a false teacher based on the items I listed in the article. If you think I am in error in my assessment, then it is incumbent upon you to show biblically where I erred. I have not said Cioccolanti is not FOR Jesus, but he appears to also be FOR himself, since he considers himself a prophet and teaches his followers to not criticize him. This allows him to teach anything he wants without challenge.

You can disagree with me about creation of other humans, but Genesis is plain that only TWO people were created while the rest of us were procreated by the process God set in place. The psalmist describes his understanding of procreation in that the processes were created by God - the genre is poetic. If we follow your logic, then God created some people for no other purpose than to send them to hell.

Another example is healing. I doubt that Pastor Steve and his congregation are claiming that they are healing as the apostles did, and I agree that if they were taking advantage of people like other “faith healers” this is wrong. I don’t believe this is what’s happening here.

Cioccolanti does indeed make the claim as to being able to miraculously heal as did the apostles - I cited his claims under his church’s “core beliefs.” Nowhere in Scripture will you find anyone other than the Apostles with the power to heal. Christians are not called to heal, but we can certainly pray for healing.

Why are you straining out the knat and swallowing the camel?
I’m not. Why are you so defensive of a teacher who has false teachings?

We ALL need healing on many levels. Healing is happening here. Without further investigation, your criticism is premature.

Do you have evidence that miraculous healing is taking place at Cioccolanti’s church when one of the “healers” does the healing?
(cont. to part 2)

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Part 2 for Mr. Walton

Not to mention the fact that scripture is clear: in the end times there will be an increase in signs and wonders—yes, counterfeit signs and wonders as well, but miraculous events in His Kingdom (i.e., I do agree that in large, the original gift of “healing” died with Apostles, and I agree that in any situation, the healing always comes from God, but let’s not be too hasty to rule out what the Holy Spirit is doing today in an increasing manner).

Is it really “hasty” to judge a claim against what the scriptures teach? Does God heal today? Of course. Is he using Cioccolanti and members to DO the healing? No evidence of such, and it would be contrary to Scriptural teaching where that is a sign of an apostle - a sign among others which was to confirm them in their office.

Regarding numbers, honestly, I haven’t done much research. I just met a mathematician, however, (Doug Krieger) who has done extensive research and was elated to relay findings that the God of the Universe is mathematically perfect in every way (who knew? Lol).

The issue I have with Cioccolanti and number has to do with his finding something theologically important in just about any number which shows up. There is NOWHERE in Scripture where numbers are used the way he claims.

There are no aliens from space, and to suggest otherwise just shows Cioccolanti’s false teachings for what they are; bizarre. I do not have time to waste on a 2.5 hr “documentary” full of conspiracy teachings and science fiction pretending to be something of God.

In short, I haven’t run across anything either in the materials above, or in Pastor Steve’s teachings that directly contradict scripture. Some of it is conjecture, sure, but based on and extrapolated from the evidence available.

Might I suggest you look a little closer without subjective bias? I pointed out that which DOES contradict Scripture in his eschatology (you say it is speculative, which is fine, but he teaches it as objective reality). Is Cioccolanti teaching that women can be elders or pastors? I think the “Core Beliefs” are ambiguous here, but if that is what he is teaching, then THAT would be unbiblical. His Word Of Faith teachings are certainly unbiblical. His “prayer for the nation” takes 2 Chron 7:14 out of context, which makes it an unbiblical teaching.

His spiritual warfare teachings are unbiblical, as I noted - there is NO “binding” of Satan -- or spirits -- by Christians.

Your claims of “direct words” from God are unbiblical. His direct word is through the Bible. If one is claiming direct revelation from God, then that person is saying that the Bible isn’t enough, and that God gives people special supplemental revelations. You say it is “true” when we (I never do!) say “God told me” --- so do you hear an audible command? People may feel led to do something, and if that is the case they should say something like, “I felt led to do this,” and NOT “GOD told me.” Once you start saying “God told me,” then you are claiming direct revelation from God.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Part 3 for Mr. Walton

One more thing, if I want to look at this with a critical eye, how am I to believe that you, Mr. Chatfield, have represented Steve’s teachings correctly? You give no specific reference to investigate, other than investigating his website on our own (let’s be real, no one is going to hunt and peck for this information, and as a valid researcher, you should provide a link to the source material, especially if you’re going to the extent of accusing him of being a false teacher).

I did indeed include a link to every teaching I stated was practiced by Cioccolanti and his assembly. The links are there, and if people are too lazy to look at the links I provided, it isn’t MY fault. I even gave citations from those links! It appears that you have not looked at the links I provided.

If, say, you humbly took your concerns to Pastor Steve

I am not required to do so.

We are called to “encourage one another as you see the day approaching” and are warned against causing discord.

My blog is about encouraging Christians in the TRUE teachings of the Bible; it is about edifying Christians in the Word, and it is about exposing false teachings so the sheep can know the wolves. Exposing false teachers will cause discord because those who are invested in such deception will be angry about the exposure of their leader.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Chatfield, how can u even trust absolutely everything in your bible? It has been here for thousands of years, and u would be foolish to sit there and actually believe it hasnt been tainted tainted by forces (satan) who dont want u to know certain things. How can u judge pastor steves teachings in such a dismissive and disgusted manor? Because he has opened his mind in understanding Gods word? Not everything in the bible is literal. Stop being such a pretentious douche. Everything is a conspiracy, and yes the whole world is working together to push Satans plans. Ever hear of agenda 21? Have u turned on the news lately and seen your government ordering millions of guillotines an. Plastic coffins for a FEMA camp near you? Its grtting prepared for people like you and me. Christians. Dont be so narrow minded and actually open your eyes to the real world going on.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous 3/2,

You apparently have no knowledge about the field of textual criticism. The Bible we have is accurate. If you can’t trust the Bible, then by what do you measure any standards of morality, doctrine, etc?

Can you show me where the Bible has been corrupted? And how do you know what you believe is corrupted actually IS?

In what way was my judging of Mr Cioccolanti’s “disgusted”? I certainly agree that I am “dismissive” of his false teachings, as all Christians should be.

Proper hermeneutics takes the Bible literally as it was intended to be understood. It’s called the “historical, grammatical” method of interpretation - sort of the same thing when we interpret any document. When you start bringing your own ideas into Scripture, as does Cioccolanti does, then you are making up your own Bible.

So can you show me documentation that our government is ordering “millions of guillotines”? Guillotines are highly inefficient for mass execution; if mass execution is the intent, then machine guns or bombs are more efficient.

I’d suggest you don’t be so “open minded” that you accept all the garbage spewed by conspiracy theorists.

If you want a further comment posted, you need to directly address the charges in my article and demonstrate from Scripture where I have erred in my judgement of Cioccolanti’s teachings.

Anonymous said...

Let me just say that someone who does not believe that we are supernatural beings or healing is for today doesn't know what they are talking about. If you know what the word Apostle means (sent one with a message) then you will know that Jesus was just that and He is NOT dead but lives...therefore signs, wonders, miracles, healings are for today. Numbers are important as you can see in the Bible everywhere. If you don't believe there are aliens (nephilim) then fine, don't believe it but the Bible says as it was in the days of Noah it will be again. The nephilim are here and they are masquerading as aliens. The Vatican is in touch with them and setting up the whole thing to deceive the world, even the elect if they can. The Bible says we are to lay hands on the sick and they will recovery...I myself have done this and Jesus heals through me. I have seen personally tumors disappear, cancer leave, back straighten up, legs grow, and numerous other things as I lay hands on people and Jesus heals them. Are you telling me that isn't real? Hmmm

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

Cioccloanti claims his church is a supernatural church - please explain what is supernatural about his church vs any other church.

I never said I don’t believe in supernatural beings; I said there are no space aliens.

Supernatural healing today is directly from God - no one has the gift of healing. If someone claims a gift of healing, then why do they not visit hospitals?

Jesus is God, and will always be able to perform signs and wonders. The Apostles he chose as the foundation of His church are all dead. There are no new apostles with the signs of apostles, because the one MAIN sign was to have been with him and seen him risen from the dead. The Bible says that the apostles and prophets were the FOUNDATION of the Church (Eph. 2:20). Once a foundation is laid, there is no more need for new foundation stones.

There are indeed numbers in Scripture which serve important purposes. However, Cioccolanti’s teachings have virtually every number in the Bible meaning something significant beyond the context.

The “nephilim” of the O.T., Gen. 6, were offspring of fallen angels mating with humans. These fallen angels were then bound by God until Judgment Day (Jude 6-7; 2 Peter 2:4-5), so this will not happen again. When Christ said, “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man,” He was talking about the violence and corruption of the world and the fact that they did not expect catastrophe. And that is what is happening now - violence and corruption of every sort while no one expects a catastrophic ending.

The Vatican is not “in touch” with “nephilim”. This is science-fiction nonsense which you’ve picked up from false teachers.

You said, “The Bible says we are to lay hands on the sick and they will recover.” Can you please show this to me - cite the passage?

As for your claims of healing and what you have supposedly seen, I think you are delusional, and sound much like Benny Hinn with his claims. You and he can assert anything, but when it comes to providing evidence, you are somehow lacking.

Anonymous said...

So you don't believe that God still communicates with His people?
Wow.
Jesus said "my sheep hear my voice"

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

God communicates with His people via the Word - i.e., the Bible.

If you want to claim direct revelation from God takes place, then you are saying new "prophets" can add to the Word of God and the Bible is not enough.

Anonymous said...

You said, “The Bible says we are to lay hands on the sick and they will recover.” Can you please show this to me - cite the passage?

Mark 16:18

As a fundamentalist do you hold to sola scriptura?

Anonymous said...

God communicates with His people via the Word - i.e., the Bible.

When did a shift come that God no longer communicates to His people but through the Bible?

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

The most reliable manuscripts do not even have Mark 16:9-20 in them, and it is most likely an addition by later scribes.

Nevertheless, let's suppose it is supposed to be in there:

1. Does it give a formula for driving out demons? NO, yet Cioccolanti has one.

2. Does everyone speak in tongues? NO - and even Paul said not everyone did. Tongues were for a sign to unbelievers. (1 Cor. 14:22)

3. Will everyone pick up snakes and not suffer from the bite? No, and everyone we see doing so ends up being bitten - like the recent false teacher. There is no evidence from the ante-Nicene fathers that any such thing took place.

4. Does it say EVERYONE will be able to lay hands on sick people? NO. Does it give a formula? No.

I don't have a problem with any of these things happening if God so needs it, but there is no evidence that such things have taken place when people claim such. No evidence at all - just assertions.

As a "fundamentalist" (meaning I hold to the fundamental teachings of the Christian faith) I certainly believe in Scripture alone for gaining whatever it is God has to tell us. No outside documents or outside claimed revelations, because every single one is either un-biblical or extra-biblical - meaning it is unnecessary.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

When did a shift come that God no longer communicates to His people but through the Bible?

It was rare in the O.T. when God communicated directly through prophets, and it was even more rare in the N.T. There is no evidence that God today speaks through prophets. Assertions aren't proof. And any so-called revelation could not contradict Scripture.

Anonymous said...

The most reliable manuscripts do not even have Mark 16:9-20 in them, and it is most likely an addition by later scribes.

You apparently have no knowledge about the field of textual criticism. The Bible we have is accurate. If you can’t trust the Bible, then by what do you measure any standards of morality, doctrine, etc?

Can you show me where the Bible has been corrupted? And how do you know what you believe is corrupted actually IS?

I hate to come across as antagonistic, because I believe we should act in love, however your words contradict each other.

If you truly, sincerely, believe that Scripture is our only basis for doctrine and practice, then you have to demonstrate, from Scripture, that the gift of healing is no longer in operation.
If you turn to sources other than the Scripture, then you have become, by your standard, the very thing you stand against.
A false teacher.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

You know, you’d make it easier if you’d ID yourself so I know whether it is the same “anonymous” I’m conversing with.

I never said the Bible was corrupt. And I am well-versed on textual criticism, having studied the subject in depth for the pas 15 years.

My words do NOT contradict - they are consistent.

The only people in the Bible who had the gift of healing were the Apostles. No one else.
Paul said that signs, wonders, and miracles were the signs of an Apostle (2 Cor. 12:12) It was the signs which confirmed their office. There is no office of Apostle any more (Eph 2:20).

No one has the gift of healing. If they did we would have evidence of it. People claim to have it, but no evidence is brought forth as proof.

Do I believe that God could work through a person today to heal someone? Yes, but that doesn’t mean the individual has the gift of healing, rather it means that at some point God chose to use that person.

If you have proof, then present it. Not anecdotal claims; bona fide evidence proving a person’s condition before and after the so-called healing.

Anonymous said...


The only people in the Bible who had the gift of healing were the Apostles. No one else.

Philip was not an apostle

Acts 8:4-8

King James Version (KJV)

4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

8 And there was great joy in that city.

How does Eph 2:20 prove that there are no apostles

When you start asking for contemporary proof of healing are you not then using an extra biblical source to prove what you believe the Bible teaches?

Sorry about the anonymous thing
I am Sam

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Sam,

Philip wasn't an apostle? I guess you disagree with the Bible. Try Matt 10:3 for starters.

Eph. 2:20 says the church was built on the FOUNDATION of the apostles and prophets. The foundation was laid in the 1st century. The foundation is still there. You don't make a new foundation for the church - it stands firm on the one which was already laid, with Christ as the cornerstone.

So, you are saying that one needs to use the Bible to prove a current healing? I am. Give me the evidence that said healing took place and we will compare it against what Scripture says. You can't just claim it happened.

People in the local IHOP adjunct claim that God did healing in their assembly, and an example was a gold tooth to replace a bad one. God doesn't give false teeth as "healing." Nowhere in Scripture did healing ever involve replica parts.

Anonymous said...

Yes Philip was an Apostle of the twelve, and I did not mean to imply that he was not and apostle, however based on these two passages most believe that the Philip of Acts 8
is the same Philip of Acts 21.

Having said that i must also say that I have no solid Biblical proof that the Philip of Acts 8 was not the Apostle, one of the twelve.

Acts 8:40
But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Acts 21:8
On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him.

When you say Eph 2:20 is talking about the church you are saying the universal church. But how do you draw that conclusion? The "universal: church is not mentioned in the Bible, and Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians who were a local church.
This could just as well suggest that every new church plant is built upon the foundation of apostles(small a)
If there were only twelve apostles,
why does Paul claim to be one and even go so far as to defend his apostleship? as in 2 Cor. 12:12.
And if we throw Paul in the mix so we now have 13 why does Jesus commend the Church at Ephesus for trying false apostles.

Lastly you want me to prove that healing still is in operation today yet you cannot give clear proof that the Bible teaches it has ceased. If you say healing has ceased, the burden of proof, Biblical, rest on you not me.
I have not said if I believe it still exists or not, I am simply reading your post and asking you to defend your position with Scripture.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Sam,

Philip of Acts 8 is obviously the Apostle in that he had the gifts, the confirming gifts. Acts 21 may very well be a different Philip, but it doesn’t say he was an apostle; evangelist does not equal apostle.

Eph. 2:20 is talking about the church universal. That is the only way you can understand that passage, and has been taught by every orthodox Christian theologian what I have read. The universal church is mentioned very often in the NT! (Matt. 16:18; Eph 1:22; Eph 5:25, etc) It was known as THE church. Only when a specific assembly was mentioned did it refer to a specific assembly. The “church” is all the believers in Christ. Eph. 2:19, which vs 20 is referring to, calls it “the household of God” (KJV) or “God’s household” (NIV). You do understand context, do you not?

There were only 12 original apostles, but Paul was chosen later. The primary qualification for an apostle was to have seen the Resurrected Christ (Acts 1:21-23; 1 Cor. 9:1). They were personally taught by Christ (John 14:26, 16:13-14 and 17:7-8, 14, 26; Acts 1:2; 1 Cor. 15:3; Lk 24:45; 1 John 1:5; Gal. 1:11-12). They were divinely inspired (1 Cor. 2:10-13; 1 Cor. 14:37; 1 Thes. 2:13; 1 Tim. 1:11; 1 John 4:6). The signs confirmed them (Mk. 16:20; Acts 2:42-47; Heb. 2:4).

Once a foundation is laid, the structure is passed to the builders, and Paul said the church - universal, the “household of God” - was built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets.

I did not say that God’s healing has ceased - I said the gift of healing has ceased. It was a gift the apostles had. No apostles, no gift.

Anonymous said...

I understand your reasoning on the passage in Eph 2:20 about orthodox believers teaching that it means the church universal. But you cannot dogmatically say that from the context. If I am willing to concede this, then would you be willing to concede that Orthodox believers have also taught for years that the Philip of Acts 8 is Philip the evangelist one of the seven original deacons and NOT the apostle Philip?

If the gift of healing was only given to Apostles and then has ceased as you say, why would Paul need to teach about it in 1 Cor. 12? This teaching is not necessary if there was no gift to teach about. Why would he list the gifts and then say that the Holy Spirit gives to EVERY man.
In Luke 10 Jesus sends out the seventy and gives them them the gift of healing. V9

Here you say: ' People may feel led to do something, and if that is the case they should say something like, “I felt led to do this,” and NOT “GOD told me.” Once you start saying “God told me,” then you are claiming direct revelation from God.'
If i say 'God led me' what is the difference if I say 'God told me'
Isn't that just mental gymnastics to avoid believing that God speaks today.
And if you say, as most fundamentalists do, that God no longer speaks, where is your Scripture to back up that doctrine

(I consider myself a fundamentalist by the way)
Sam

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Sam,

The CONTEXT of Eph. 2:20 is 2:19 - the household of God. The Church universal. All Christians. The church as a whole is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. You won’t find any teachings to the contrary except by charismatics who need to make it say something different so THEY can have false apostles and false prophets. I can’t say it any plainer, and if you want to believe otherwise, more power to you.

Philip of Acts 8 is obviously the apostle. Again, if you want to believe otherwise, more power to you.

Notice you misquoted me. I said, they should say something like, “I felt led to do this, while you claim I said, God led me.

My point is that we may FEEL led by God, but we have no objective evidence to say “God led me.” BIG difference: one way you are saying it may have just been my subjective feelings while the other way is saying you know objectively that God was involved and have evidence of such.

Again, I didn’t say God doesn’t or can’t give modern revelatory knowledge; what I’m saying is that any claims must be compared to what Scripture says, and all claims from every charismatic have been proven to be fraudulent.

Again with the healing - if you want to believe people have the gift, more power to you. But one must have evidence for such a claim, and no charismatic has yet been able to prove they have such gifts.

Anonymous said...

Glenn,

I feel obligated to reveal my background and heritage in Christianity.
I was saved in a Baptist Church at age 15.
Graduated from a Baptist Seminary that taught reformed theology and The doctrines for Grace from John Calvin
Ordained in a Baptist Church
I have always considered myself an evangelical fundamentalist with a firm belief in the grounding of the Scripture.

Having said that I am truly saddened by those I feel closest to in the faith who say that the hold to Sola Scriptura, but only do so when it is convenient for them.
Over ane over again I see them tell others of a different denomination that you have to stand on the Bible alone because it cannot be the Bible and... Then when other denominations stand on the Bible alone they say well its the Bible and history or the Bible and this or that commentary.
My thinking has been that if you are going to stand on the Bible alone then do that, but don't says it's the bible and ... when its convenient for you and then tell others they cannot do that when its convenient for them.
This is the reason why most Charismatic believers avoid fundamentalists and vica versa.
I appreciate the discourse that we have had here and hope that you have as well.
Blessings to you Glenn.
Sam

Anonymous said...

ps

My ancestry is Scottish from KudKudbrightshire and I love the Bagpipes!

Sam

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Sam,

The problem is what you call "the Bible and..." You consider asking for evidence of claims to be "and." it is no such thing. We are told over and over again in the Bible to test what is said. If someone claims to have healed someone else, then the only way it can be tested is to check the records of their health before and after the claim. That is not "Bible and..." How else are you to test claims of healing?

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

I didn't even know I had Scottish ancestry until I'd been playing the pipes for 20 years. Then I learned that on my mom's side my great-great-great-great-grandfather came over from Scotland ca. 1830. MacLaine of Lockbuie. My wife's great-great-great-grandparents came over from the Orney Islands, so she has a wee bit more Scots than I do.

But I've always loved the pipes and my wife got me a practice chanter for Christmas 1982 with lessons beginning in January. It's been a blast ever since.

Curiosity said...

Very interesting to read what's been written. I think it's healthy to question and debate things and a congregation should never be told to never question their pastor.

Unknown said...

No worries. If Steve is a false prophet, God will stop him. But if he us a true teacher, you who are jealous are actually mocking a servant of God. Beware.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Lee Harry,

I demonstrated in the article that, according to the Bible, Steve is a false teacher.

God doesn't stop the false prophets and false teachers of today - which is why there are so many of them. He allows the deception for those who are seeking a god in their own image rather than the true God.

You ascribed the emotion of jealousy to me - so are you now a mind-reader? Or should we say you are false judging me?

I do not have to beware - I proved that Steve's teaching are often no in alignment with God.

R. A. Reed said...

If you were deceived, would you know it?

If someone told you the truth, would you recognize it?

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

R.A. Reed,

I was deceived when I became a Mormon. I didn't know I was deceived until I was given the truth. The truth was recognizable as such and I left the LDS and eventually became a Christian.

Anonymous said...

It's so disappointing to see a Christ-centered, intelligent, humble, cutting-edge pastor who is answering the wiles of Lucifer for the End-Times Church being criticized by fellow-Christians. There's more to criticize in the Chrislam movement and our godless government that is preparing to help usher in the antichrist; governments killing, crucifying and ousting Christians. Please get a grip and open your mind to the current state of affairs.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

I don't normally publish comments like yours, which are nothing but ad hominem rants with no substantive argument. I published it just to demonstrate to my readers the type of stuff I receive from people who apparently lack discernment when it comes to following bad teachers.

If you wish to comment again, try addressing my arguments against Steve. Show me from Scripture where my assessment of his teachings are in error.

Please get a grip on the current state of affairs - it is teachers like Cioccolanti who are undermining the true Christian faith and leading people astray. While government actions against Christians are physically harmful, teachings from people like Cioccolanti are SPIRITUALLY harmful.

Anonymous said...

Glen, the Bible says knowledge puffs up but love builds up...nuff said..

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

SO, when I expose the false teachings of this man, it is "knowledge that puffs up"?

It is love for the body that leads me to warn them of teachers who are spiritually dangerous in their teachings.

Supposed instead of making an ad hominem attack, that you explain where my analysis is in error?

Anonymous said...

Hi, I think you probably have seen only 1 video since you insist about that Steve mentioned "aliens". He doesn't say that aliens exist, we know that aliens are demons pretending to be aliens and Steve says the exact same thing in one of the videos about the rapture.

Why did he mentioned the roswell case?

Because we're about to experiment a FAKE alien contact, so he mentioned the roswell case because that was the beginning to make people believe that "aliens" exist, and he mentioned it because in 2015 it will be 70 years since that happened, and numbers are important, God our Father also speaks through numbers.

You can see it coming, they are preparing people's minds to believe that "aliens" exist, you can see it in newspapers, they talk about it like its real, they don't discuss any more if they exist or not, they are now discussing if they will be "friendly" or not.

Do I agree with everything that Steve says? I don't and that's normal, we all have our own opinion about certain things.

What is important here is that with his videos, he is helping people to come closer to God our Father. The videos are very helpful for people that doesn't read, many people, especially young people; don't read any more because of the technology, so the videos are helping people to know The Father and the scriptures and maybe they start reading, hopefully.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

I went and listened again to that video to make sure I correctly understood what I was hearing. What I hearing is another date-setting pre-tribber false teacher. (Pre-trib rapture, by the way, was something developed in the 1800s — i.e., it is new, and if it is new it isn’t true, if it is true it isn’t new. Early Christians taught post-trib.)

There is nothing significant about Israel’s 70th anniversary in the way of a “sign.” Steve’s claims for a near arrival of all these signs (his time frame seems to be 2016 to 2018) is no different than the failed teachings of Hal Lindsey’s claims of the 1970s. Nor is there any significance to the “blood moons,” as John Hagee and his ilk are prophesying about, and many apologetics ministries have demonstrated how this whole issue has used much biblical eisegesis to make their claims.

Steve just makes assertions about certain numbers having more importance to God than other numbers. While there are indeed numbers used in the Bible with certain meanings, it is a non sequitur to suggest one can extrapolate such meanings into current events, and then make claims such as the numbers 5 and 50 are “numbers of grace” and therefore the number 500 must be multiplied grace.

Roswell was NOT a cover-up, which immediately blows his whole claim about something spiritually significant happening in relation to it. He makes no mention of what he thinks about aliens in this video except that he implies the Roswell “alien” incident is indeed a conspiracy; without clarifying in THIS video what he believes about aliens, he leaves the audience to think he believes Roswell was indeed about space invaders.

He continues to find anniversary numbers in every historical event used for his purposes, but every year is an anniversary of some significant event - his game is to decide which ones fit his eschatological date-setting. Of course this also works well to promote his books so he can make more money off those listening to this tripe.

The Reformation really began long before 1517. Luther’s act just opened the lid on what was festering. But it’s convenient to claim that God chose that date so as to fit with some anniversary 500 years later. Then there is the supposed prophecy by the Jew who talked of ten Jubilees from the Gentile capture of Jerusalem, and Steve uses the Muslim capture as his starting point - but what about the Christian capture of it? What about the Roman capture and destruction of it?

Then the whole teaching about Jupiter being symbolic of Jesus is a bunch of assertions built around a silly idea that the return of Jesus will be like a rebirth for Him!!! The assertions and speculations in that video just get sillier until the terminus where he promotes the sales of more of his teachings.

The video is confusing for people who do not know the true Christian faith. IF all his videos are like this they will do much more harm than good. Besides which, if these videos lead people to follow Steve, then they will be burdened with the rest of the false teachings he has.

Unknown said...

Glenn,

I appreciate your patient, persistent, and gracious replies to the many who challenged you on this blog. I came here because my spiritual discernment alarms were ever so slightly tingling when I recently came across a Youtube video message from Steve C... a Google search regarding this led me to your page. Thank you for your informed analysis. I believe as long as Christ receives the glory... Like Paul says (my paraphrase) what motives someone be teaching, as long as the gospel be preached. And I believe this should be the attitude of *every* follower of Jesus. So, anyone who calls Steve their pastor should not take offense to any criticism of his teachings... after all, I only see Glenn staying laser-focused on the *teachings* of Steve, and not attacking the man. "We wrestle not...!" If Glenn is wrong, it will not hold to biblical scrutiny... and I say the same for Steve. Iron sharpens iron. I would be curious to hear any rebuttal from Steve in response to any critical assessment of Steve's teachings... this may reveal the servants heart.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Chat field, you keep saying that you aren't judging Pastor Steve, but yet you still call him a false teacher! He is one of God's elect and God will deal with him just like he will with you. I don't know think God put you in charge of His elect to accuse them the way you are. Why don't you try praying for him instead.? At least he is getting souls saved, what are you doing instead of accusing Gods servants?

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

If someone robs a bank and I say he's a thief, is that passing judgment or is it just identifying him by his actions? If someone kills a person and I call him a murderer, is that passing judgment or identifying him by his actions? Steve Cioccolanti teaches falsely, as demonstrated in the article. It is not passing judgment to identify him as a false teacher. His false teachings are spiritual poison.

How do you know he is one of God's elect rather than a wolf? Isn't that presumptuous of you? And how do you know whether anyone has been saved through him (albeit they are really saved by God's Word and not by a man)? You make assumptions and assertions without facts.

Throughout the Bible those who teach falsely are accused as doing such and are exposed for doing such. Exposing the wolves and defending the flock from them is what sheepdogs do.

As for what I am doing besides exposing false teachings, that really isn't your business. But I am involved in various ministries working for the Lord and not spreading false teachings to enrich myself.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

Let me clarify something about "passing judgment."

I am not passing judgment as to Steve's salvation. I AM passing judgment as to his teaching. We all pass judgment on everything we do. You passed judgment on me with your comment.

The Bible tells us to pass judgment -- i.e., exercise discernment - with all teachings and teachers, and prophets. What Jesus taught against was hypocritical judgment. We also can't judge motives unless they are spoken, etc.

Anonymous said...

I will just say this I have friends that used to go to Steve's church and the way it is run is very much like a cult...
My wife has seen it first hand

Im also awara that he and others from the church were selling ''manna' as a cure for everything I dont know what is in the product...

Anonymous said...

I do not know the Bible as well as I should, so I can not quote verses to back up my comments here. But, honestly I like Steve. I have watched many of his videos and have always felt that he is a good man. I do not know him personally, so I could be wrong. I kind of felt obligated to stand up for him when I saw the negative post on him. I do not like to see any one being picked on. Especially when they appear to be doing a good job of bringing souls to Christ. That is supposed to be our main objective in this life isn't it? And I believe one of the people making comments said that Steve did bring him to Christ, or at least helped him to become closer to Christ. That's one more soul on God's side. That is a wonderful thing.
Also, I believe I have read in the Bible somewhere (in fact I'm quite certain) that Jesus said He would give us the power to do "anything" in His name. I do not remember the verse, and I do not recall how it was stated exactly. But I remember it because I had never saw or even heard the verse before and was astonished by it's content. It basically said that any of God's children have the ability to do any thing they wish if He sees it fit, and it be in Jesus's name. So where do you get off saying people can't perform miracles, let alone heal? It also says that He will grant some with understanding of the scriptures, that He will open their eyes. I also recall something about putting a veil of misunderstanding over the earth which totally throws me for a loop. Why?
And yes there are aliens. At least alien to what we know. If you believe there aren't your crazy. Look into it. They are nephilum (or fallen angels). At least that is what I believe them to be. It is not a conspiracy at all. It is people that have seen these things and experienced these things that are trying to help those of us that haven't so that we will be ready when we are faced with it. You don't believe in ufo's? Don't you at least know some one that you trust that has seen one? I came to the conclusion long ago that angels and aliens are one in the same. Now many others are saying the same thing and I believe it to be true. Have you read any of Enoch's writings? If you haven't, you should. It says in Genesis that Enoch walked with God. It also says that he didn't die. God just took him. If God thinks that highly of the man that he just took him from the earth, we should all be reading what this man has to say.
I started out wanting to get the guy that posted the bad comment on Steve, but I understand his point. If Steve is in fact teaching things that do not agree with the scriptures then they should be pointed out. Because if they don't agree with the Bible, they must disagree. And that is a very dangerous thing to do. Let alone be preaching it to others. I personally didn't notice any thing bad on his videos. I really like his videos. The fact that he gets into subjects most preachers wouldn't dare touch kind of gets my attention.
I don't think Glen meant any harm in his post, but maybe he could have made his point in a nicer way. And he said some things I do not agree with also. And I dare say the scriptures do not agree with every thing he said. At least not in my understanding of them. Sorry about the book, but I really enjoy Steve's videos.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous 2/15/15,

I do not know the Bible as well as I should, so I can not quote verses to back up my comments here.
Which is why you should study more before defending Steve.

But, honestly I like Steve. I have watched many of his videos and have always felt that he is a good man. I do not know him personally, so I could be wrong. I kind of felt obligated to stand up for him when I saw the negative post on him. I do not like to see any one being picked on. Especially when they appear to be doing a good job of bringing souls to Christ. That is supposed to be our main objective in this life isn't it? And I believe one of the people making comments said that Steve did bring him to Christ, or at least helped him to become closer to Christ. That's one more soul on God's side. That is a wonderful thing.

I never even intimated that Steve wasn't a "good man." My critique was of his teachings. It wasn't a "negative post on him," rather it was criticism of his teachings. I wasn't "picking" on him, I was "picking on" his teachings. You need to be able to separate the person and his teachings. Whether or not Steve's teachings lead people to the Lord is not the point. It's about the rest of his teachings with leave people in bondage with fears, send people off onto deceptive ideology, etc.

Also, I believe I have read in the Bible somewhere (in fact I'm quite certain) that Jesus said He would give us the power to do "anything" in His name. I do not remember the verse, and I do not recall how it was stated exactly. But I remember it because I had never saw or even heard the verse before and was astonished by it's content. It basically said that any of God's children have the ability to do any thing they wish if He sees it fit, and it be in Jesus's name. So where do you get off saying people can't perform miracles, let alone heal? It also says that He will grant some with understanding of the scriptures, that He will open their eyes. I also recall something about putting a veil of misunderstanding over the earth which totally throws me for a loop. Why?

Herein lies the problem. You've heard something somewhere which twisted Scripture to support a belief and never looked into it yourself. You need to find a passage which says what you claim it says.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous 2/15/15 response part 2

And yes there are aliens. At least alien to what we know. If you believe there aren't your crazy. Look into it. They are nephilum (or fallen angels). At least that is what I believe them to be. It is not a conspiracy at all. It is people that have seen these things and experienced these things that are trying to help those of us that haven't so that we will be ready when we are faced with it. You don't believe in ufo's? Don't you at least know some one that you trust that has seen one? I came to the conclusion long ago that angels and aliens are one in the same. Now many others are saying the same thing and I believe it to be true. Have you read any of Enoch's writings? If you haven't, you should. It says in Genesis that Enoch walked with God. It also says that he didn't die. God just took him. If God thinks that highly of the man that he just took him from the earth, we should all be reading what this man has to say.

Herein lies another problem with Steve's teachings. What you say is mostly false. There are no such things as UFOs or aliens. There are demonic powers which lead people to believe in such, but all examinations of this issued discovered only one time when Christians saw such apparitions and they commanded the apparition to depart in Jesus' name. I have studied the issue for decades. I think a great book which sums up a lot of studies is "Alien Intrusion" by Gary Bates -- I recommend you get that book to read and quit listening to Steve's absurd conspiracy theories. There are no writings by Enoch - the book which claims to be by him is fraudulently attributed - why do you think it was never considered canon?

I started out wanting to get the guy that posted the bad comment on Steve, but I understand his point. If Steve is in fact teaching things that do not agree with the scriptures then they should be pointed out. Because if they don't agree with the Bible, they must disagree. And that is a very dangerous thing to do. Let alone be preaching it to others. I personally didn't notice any thing bad on his videos. I really like his videos. The fact that he gets into subjects most preachers wouldn't dare touch kind of gets my attention.

The reason most preachers won't touch such subjects is because they'd prefer to teach facts and truth rather than making up things and speculating the way Steve does.

I don't think Glen meant any harm in his post, but maybe he could have made his point in a nicer way. And he said some things I do not agree with also. And I dare say the scriptures do not agree with every thing he said. At least not in my understanding of them. Sorry about the book, but I really enjoy Steve's videos.

In what way could I have said anything in a "nicer way"? I simply pointed out his teachings which were in error and suggested he is not to be trusted. After all, he is part of the whole heretical Word of Faith cult. Whether you enjoy his videos isn't the point. The point is that you may be ingesting bad teachings which will burden you unnecessarily.

Anonymous said...

God sent me to this page somehow... Isn't He amazing?? Glenn, you have spent a lot of time arguing... trying to be right. That is not what God wants from you. You are meant for better than this. Yes, God speaks to me all the time. I am heartbroken for those who do not hear Him. I pray for you to see clearly that Satan is using you to cause conflict, even if originally you were trying to help people...it has expanded far beyond that. Prayers be with you my brother!!

Love in our Christ,
Corri

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Corri,

I have spent no time "arguing," rather I have engaged in discussion with people who are sticking up for a false teacher, explaining why he is a false teacher. I have provided evidence of Steve's bad teachings, and THAT is what God wants all Christians to do - expose false teachings. Yet you seem to know God better and think we should just let false teachings invade the Church.

So God speaks to you all the time? Audibly? Are you claiming to be a prophet of God? Satan is not using me at all. I am obeying God as He instructs us in the Bible - to expose false teachings. Perhaps it is YOU who is being deceived by Satan.

Jason (Disabled Veteran) said...

Jas 5:14- 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.
Jas 5:15- And the prayer of faith will cure the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. And if he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him.
Jas 5:16- Confess faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous one avails much.

Take away from this what you like. The power of prayer is beyond our understanding. The LORDS way of speaking to any true believer is through scripture, devotionals or what have you. He does not speak like that of the OLD Testament with Abraham, Isaac etc..

Jason said...

Jas 5:14- 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.
Jas 5:15- And the prayer of faith will cure the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. And if he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him.
Jas 5:16- Confess faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous one avails much.

We can heal each other through prayer, that's what the LORD almighty says, " confess faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous one avails much." Jas 5:16.
Yes no one can physically heal one person but, through prayer GOD stats that if we pray for one another, we shall be healed. Don't deny the word.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Jason,
Response to first post:

Yes, we can pray for people and for their healing. But that doesn't make anyone a "healer."

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Jason,
Response to 2nd comment:

We can heal each other through prayer, that's what the LORD almighty says, " confess faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous one avails much." Jas 5:16.

WE don't heal the person. God MAY heal because of our prayers.

Yes no one can physically heal one person but, through prayer GOD stats that if we pray for one another, we shall be healed. Don't deny the word.

It does NOT say the person "shall" be healed. It says that God will raise him up, which could mean raised in his belief, etc, not cured of the illness. If God meant that any person prayed over for sickness "shall be" cured, then how do you explain the fact that most people prayed over do not get better? Oh, people like Steve and WOF heretics claim it is a lack of faith, but the truth is that we have NEVER been promised healing until the resurrection.

Anonymous said...

My name is Jon.
Matthew 9:27-30
27:and when Jesus departed there, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, thou son of David, have mercy on us.
28:and when he came into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus said to them, believe ye that I am able to do this? They said to him, yea Lord.
29:then touched their eyes, saying, according to your faith be it unto you.
30:and their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, see that no man know it.

Just one example of many.
Sounds like they were healed by faith through Christ to me. It wasn't Christ faith. He knows he can heal them. These men couldn't see him performing miracles. But believed he could.
Blessed are those that believe without seeing. Also you said to see a murderer murder call him murderer, basically. I believe that is what brother Steve is saying basically about the false aliens. Warning us to not be deceived. Jesus warns us of the devils deceptions on many occasions, that doesn't make it fear mongering. And it is not fear mongering to believe the end times are near. God says to look to the heavens for great signs and wonders of his return. Steve is not saying he knows for certain but believes it soon coming. And my, Jon's, hope is that it is soon. The only fear of that I have is, have I sought out unbelievers so that the word will open them to Christ's salvation.
Luke 21: 8-11, for the signs and wonders verses, I leave for you to look up.
Thank you, Jon

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Jon,

I don't understand your point with your Matthew citation; what does that have to do with my charges against Steve's claims and teachings?

As for the "aliens," From my viewing of the videos it appears he believes they are real aliens from space, with whole NASA conspiracy theory. There are no space aliens.

I never claimed it was "fear mongering" to claim the end times are near - I believe they are indeed near.

Anonymous said...

I attended one of Steve's talk recently in Malaysia. To see whether he is a fake or sincere pastor I am keen to know his childhood and background. I tried googling but not successful. All it says is that he was born in Thailand to a family of........Does any body out there know his cradle religion ie was he born a Buddhist or Christian? What was his nationality when he was borned? Is he of mixed parentage? When did he migrate to say US or Australia? Is he currently of Australian or US nationality? Btw, I didn't like the way he insulted and slandered Buddha and Buddhism calling Buddha fat and feminine, wife or family shirker etc etc. He should show more respect even though he is evangelising others to be Christians or trying to sell books and VCDs

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

One cannot blaspheme a false god. So Steve did not blaspheme Buddha or Buddhism. Christians are not to respect false religions.

Anonymous said...

Why does the Holy Spirit come and remain until now if not to speak to His people?

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

The Holy Spirit indwells every Christian for many reasons; he's our counselor who guides us in our life -- if we listen to Him. He protects us from the demonic realm because a Christian cannot be possessed as long as the Spirit resides in him. He "speaks" to us by opening our mind to the Word of God so we understand what the Bible is telling us. He is God's seal on us.

Mike Evans said...

Hi Glenn,
Your judgments re the teachings of this minister are sound, but sadly few who are entangled in the heresies of the charismatic/Word of Faith world are teachable. My hat goes off to you for your polite persistence to correct in love with the scriptures.
I have met Pastor Steve. Until recently, I was a fellow "word of Faith heretic" and graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center in the USA. The Lord delivered me from these errors and the false teaching and spirit of the charismatic movement earlier this year, for which I am eternally grateful. I don't think the movement is genuinely saving people as it once did back in the '80's and '90's as it has morphed into ever-increasing heresy (egs NAR teaching, false revivals egs Toronto) and a watered-down 'seeker sensitive' gospel message. The merging of many charismatic and evangelical ministers with Roman Catholic mysticism (eg. 'contemplative prayer') and the embracing of the Pope ( egs Kenneth Copeland, Rick Warren, Joel Osteen) shows how far these people have drifted from the true gospel of Jesus Christ. The purpose of false doctrine in the life of a born again believer is to ultimately cause them to apostasize, so your warnings are needed and motivated by the love of Christ for his flock.
From my perceptions, it seemed that Pastor Steve was only interested in connecting with ministers who could help his ministry to grow. At any rate, his interest in getting to know me- a fellow graduate of Rhema and pastor- dissipated swiftly when he learned the size of my church. At this time- the '90's- he opened a church 5 minutes away from me in Melbourne,which I felt was unfriendly (to put it politely.) In hindsight I am glad my church stayed small as I was unwittingly infecting people with a mixture of false and true doctrine, with the emphasis on the former.
Another contributor mentioned 'manna' being sold in Pastor Steve's church. I think he is referring to 'Mannatek' (spelling possibly wrong), a pyramid-style selling scheme (like Amway) which was in charismatic churches here at that time.(My unwell mother was harassed by someone re this product in her AOG church). It claimed to be a divinely inspired cure-all in tablet form which supposedly cured even cancer and was grossly expensive. I heard that it was being promoted from the pulpit in this church. (Another Rhema church here was pyramid selling land and properties in Queensland in their church and charging for the introductory lecture). As WOF folk believe healing is in the atonement and the right of every believer, it seemed inconsistent to me that any WOF minister could also be marketing a miracle pill, albeit one that God has supposedly provided the recipe for.
I recently heard some of Pastor Steve's lessons on the end-times and Bible Numerics (If that's the correct term). I found them bizarre and unsound and this was before the Lord led me out of 'charismania'. I personally believe the 'sons of God' in Genesis 6 were fallen angels but there is much aberrant teaching coming out regarding aliens/demons which-at best- is distracting believers from the gospel work which is imperative in these evil last days in which we live. At its worst, it is inspiring an unhealthy fixation on the demonic which our adversary is happy to encourage as it's the next best thing to worship from his perspective.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Mike,

Thank you so much for your testimony. It's the "proof in the pudding" for what I've been saying.

I do have to disagree with you on one point; You said, I don't think the movement is genuinely saving people as it once did back in the '80's and '90's

Well, the WOF has always been heretical and it would be only by the grace of God that anyone was genuinely saved in it.

I agree with you, that the individuals in Gen. 6 were fallen angels. It's the only thing which makes sense in the context.

Unknown said...

Time will tell. I personally think Steve comes across as a humble knowledgeable teacher. Some of his stuff is out there compared to mainstream Christianity but that doesn't make it wrong. He preaches Jesus and that's what counts. None of us are right on all counts when it comes to spiritual matters or any others actually. Wasn't Jesus the one who said in Luke 9:50 "Do not stop him. For the one who is not against you is for you"?

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Time has already told that Steve is a false teacher. He doesn't come across very humble to me, or very knowledgable - lots of his stuff he just makes up out of whole cloth. He teaches Word of Faith heresy and lots of aberrational stuff to burden his followers with all sorts of fears. YES, it does make it wrong. When you add to Jesus all your false garbage to burden people, then it doesn't matter what truth you happened to fill in the blanks with. He's dangerous.

That Luke passage is used by all sorts of false teachers. If he is adding garbage to what Jesus taught, then he is against Jesus.

Anonymous said...

All in the Bible are important. Godless

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Yes, everything in the Bible is important. But what is MORE important is that you read it with proper hermeneutics. In other words, it must be read and interpreted as the writers intended and NOT to support false teachings such as taught by Cioccolanti.

So now, what do you mean by "godless" -- that I disagree with false teacher Cioccolanti? Nothing "godless" about it.

Anonymous said...

I recently watched parts of two different videos from this pastor. He is definitely a false prophet and his eyes appear as if he is demon possessed in the videos I watched, which is why I immediately googled to see if anyone else saw and heard what I did. I am so thankful someone is exposing him. I never thought there could be so many false prophets in the world, but it is just like Jesus said. I pray others will be given wisdom, discernment, and eyes to see these false prophets for who they are. THEY twist scripture for those who are not studying the Bible themselves. He preys on those who gullibly listen, because of his supposed title of pastor and fame, even limited, but it his growing just like all the other false prophet, charismatic, televangelists. My grandmother, God rest her soul, would have believed him before me, because of his large following. Thanks for getting the word out. If nothing else, the fact that he says he greatly respects Rick Joyner, another false prophet, is reason enough to know who he associates with and turn away from his teachings

Anonymous said...

Anyone,
BTW what are WOF folk? I presume it is the prosperity teaching and happy clapper types.. Am I right?

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous,

I have closed comments on this post, as noted at the beginning of the article. However, I thought you should have an answer to this question.

WOF is Word of Faith. Prosperity gospel, name it and claim it, health and wealth, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Kenneth and Gloria Copland - just about anyone on TBN etc.

Anonymous said...

Listen to Derek Prince teaching on healing and to the thousands of people healed from sickness and thousands delivered from curses and demons....he is not stipulating that he is the healer...but that he can pray forpeople to be healed and demons cast out....luke10:19.20..




Glenn E. Chatfield said...

It appears that you don't know how to read that comments are closed. I decided to publish this one just to point out how you are supporting one false teacher by referring to an even worse false teacher! You have no discernment at all.

Feebeetee said...

Glenn,

Thank you for your site for bringing awareness to God's people, especially on teachings that borderline heretic teachings. Steve Cioccolanti in one of his video outlined that if souls are brought to Christ then it is not heresies. That is not the definition of heresy. I've been to congregation that most believers are born-again christians yet some of their beliefs deviated from the bible, such as the trinity is "four in one", etc, etc. These are heretic teachings, albeit by the mercy of God, souls are being drawn to God.

Mr. Cioccolanti's teachings really sound like propaganda to me, substantiated with a lot of conspiracy theories. A true minister of HIs word should separate himself from any political agenda. While I understand end-time prophecies almost inevitably must touch on current world events, but Mr. Cioccolanti's position is made so loud and clear in promoting one side, one agenda, and shooting down others. I believe this is not the way to an end-time spiritual recovery. His teachings are not bringing people to the Lord Himself-- and that is the downfall of a lot of preachers today.

Again thank you for your work. I was glad to have stumbled on your site while I was praying to the Lord about the unsettling messages I heard from Steve Cioccoloanit's Discover Ministries sites.

A sister in Christ.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Hi Feebeetee,

I closed comments on this post long ago because of all the hate that was being spewed. Your comment is a pleasant surprise! Thank you for your observations about Steve!

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

NO MORE COMMENTS WILL BE POSTED SO YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME THINKING YOU WILL HAVE YOUR TWO CENTS PUBLISHED. HOWEVER, DECIDED TO READ THE COMMENTS AND SAVE THEM. I WILL BE USING YOUR NASTY EMAILS IN ANOTHER POST ABOUT STEVE, AND WILL USE THEM AS EXAMPLES OF CULT MEMBERS AND THEIR BEHAVIORS IN DEFENDING THEIR CULT-LEADING FALSE TEACHERS!

YOU DEFENDERS OF STEVE REALLY NEED TO START READING YOUR BIBLE AND LEAVE STEVE'S TEACHING BEHIND.

Anonymous said...

You are so right about Steve. I have seen his fruit when he is challenged - he becomes defensive, hostile, arrogant, and accusatory. I thank Jesus that He gave me the eyes to see the truth about this wolf in sheep's clothing. Now he is claiming that "The Shack" is a "great Christian movie". He is a false teacher, and will be exposed before the Lord and in front of all of us who have seen the truth of who he really is, and who he truly serves - and it isn't Jesus.

Pastor David said...

Dear Glenn, I am happy to see that your blog has been shut down. Steve Cioccolanti is making Christians aware of the signs in heaven and on earth of the times leading into the Tribulation. Try to learn from him, and instead of starting meaningless disputes, realise that as Christians we are to love one another, not criticize each other.
I wish u a happy and peaceful retirement.
Pastor David www.dhmi.net

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Pastor David,

I don't know where you got the idea this blog is shut down. I'm not posting as much due to various reasons, but I get at least once a week posting.

As for Cioccolanti, I have demonstrated in this post that he is a false teacher. We Christians are indeed to exercise discernment and criticize and expose false teachings.

This comment string is closed but I posted your comment to disabuse you of the idea that my blog has been shut down.

Laura Maynard said...

I agree with what you are saying. Though I must admit, when I first started listening to Pastor Steve , fundementally his sermons are thought provoking and eye opening at tomes. But he does not like to be criticizised nor having falsehoods pointed out to him. After coming across your article , I found myself ..
Digging a lil deeper into his "Bio" .. do you know that nowhere does it state his actual Date of Birth? And when you take account of years he's been alive (speculative) they don't really match up . For example he lived in Thailand for 10yrs. America for 10yrs and Australia for 15yrs with "the remaining sprinkled thru France, Canada, Spain and England." To me that puts him in early/mid 40s. During this time he's been a pastor for 18 of those yrs, Graduated from Haggi institute in Maui, completed a Leadership Practicum in Oahu, a graduate of RHEMA Bible training center in Tulsa, AND has a Master's in education from Monash University in Melbourne. Oh yea , and he's written 4-5 books he boosts about .. but in reality they got sucky reviews ������
https://www.citynews.sg/2012/01/the-divine-code-from-one-to-2020/

https://www.dahlfred.com/en/blogs/gleanings-from-the-field/265-qfrom-buddha-to-jesusq-a-book-review-by-larry-dinkins

And the icing on top of all that is he's traveled to 40+ countries ... I'm baffled at to just how Young he look .. that's ALOT of accomplishments .. heck I was happy to geadugra college with a master's in business management ... And that took a good 6.5 yr chunk outta my life .. then onto my career .. only travel I did was on vacation every 2-3yrs lol .. but aside from that .. I've been noticing alot of incocisteniences with his teachings and WAY ROO MUCH boasting for a pastor .. especially when things he's boasting about .. he wasn't only one talking about nor the First to Start talking about .. he has been taking undue credit for things ... A man of God I thought were to be ... Humble and not seeking fame of any sorts ... Just thought I'd let u know .. ur on right track where cioccolanti is concerned ... People must not forget .. the Devil knows the bible just as well as Good himself .. it's the tool in which he will use to deceive the masses

Stephen C L Wen Thanabalan said...

Thank you so much Bro Glenn E Chatfield for your work and fortitude in Christ and the gospel, and for the truth. I love the way you show so much love to the people who disagree with you and hold fortitude in Christ....I keep coming back to that word, FORTITUDE, thanks for exemplifying it brother; and in the love of Christ as well. Indeed as Jude says, we are to contend for the faith once for all handed to us the saints...thank you for holding fort and standing up for the truth and exposing the NAR cult, the false teachers like Steve Cioccolanti and the Australian wing of the New Apostolic Reformation cults, as Aussies and Asians need to have the truth about these NAR movements brought their way too. I suggest for anyone reading to go to Dr John MacArthur's Grace to You site (https://www.gty.org/library/topical-series-library/325/strange-fire-conference) and/or the Youtube Channel and watch the entire Dr Justin Peters' expose on the Word Faith Movement (WOF) and the NAR cults during the Strange Fire Conference of 2013 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJDmjFPFFJc). You can also follow Dr Justin Peters at his website here (http://justinpeters.org/) Also, please check out Christian Pirate Radio's exposes on these so called "apostles" such as Steve Cioccolanti at Christian Pirate Radio's radio shows (such as this one on Steve- http://www.piratechristian.com/fightingforthefaith/2016/5/heresy-scraps) or at the Christian Pirate Radio Youtube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/Fighting4theFaith).

John 10:27-30 English Standard Version (ESV)
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me,[a] is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

Unknown said...

Amen. Well said. Thank you, in Jesus Holy and powerful name.