No New Apostles

The following was shared on Facebook by “Famine In the Land” and I said I’d share it on my blog.

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Famine in the land

December 5 at 11:12 AM

 

All the Apostles in the Bible were called directly by Christ (the one exception was Matthias who replaced Judas), even Paul who was called post-resurrection, was called directly by Christ (Galatians 1:1) and met the qualification of being a witness to his resurrection (Acts 1:22; Acts 9:15; 1 Cor 15:8). It should be glaringly obvious that no plans were put in place to appoint or recognize any other Apostles. The foundation had been laid, and the office was closed! In a sense, anyone who is "sent out" to proclaim the gospel is an "apostle," but they are not Apostles in the same category as the original, chosen by God. Apart from the required qualifications which can no longer be met, the original Apostles had a unique role, performed unique signs (2 Cor 12:12), and were recipients of unique revelation (Eph 3:3-6).

When you hear that God is restoring "Apostles" to the church, know this - there's a reason so many people in the visible church lay claim to the title:

1. It gives them the authority and recognition they crave - which enables them to gather and manipulate followers.

2. It automatically elevates their teachings ( I mean who wants to listen to a pastor when you can sit under the teaching of a real "Apostle.")

3. It insinuates that God is working through them in a unique fashion - find me a modern-day "Apostle" who doesn't claim to have had special encounters with God, new revelations, or emphasizes the "miracles" performed through their ministry and the importance of their office.

They may claim that they're not on the same level as the original Apostles when pressed, but they're happy to reap the benefits of their elevated status knowing full well the average ignorant and biblically illiterate follower rarely makes the distinction.

Finally, consider this - If Apostles have been absent for close to 2000 years, God is guilty of neglecting and depriving his people of a vital chain in the governance of his household.

The foundational role of apostles and prophets is complete: "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone," Ephesians 2:19-20.

Nothing needs to be added to the cornerstone, Christ's work is complete. Nothing needs to be added to the foundation, the Apostles' function has been fulfilled and their message is complete, and sufficient (2 Tim 3:16-17).

The lesson - if you're sitting under the ministry of someone who claims to be an apostle in the fivefold ministry - run! 

Our Bedrock is Mostly Gone

The bedrock of our society has always rested on our deep belief in God. Over the past decades, God has been asked to leave the schools and civic institutions, but now He is being all too often asked to leave the churches! Sadly, there is a deep apostasy descending on many churches of all denominations. Too many churches have let go of “the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), preferring fresh and shinier new teachings that bear little resemblance to the faith of our fathers. This abandonment of the true faith within the churches has caused real and serious repercussions in the culture. The Judeo-Christian morality which shaped and guided Western culture for nearly 2,000 years is very quickly disappearing into the mist of the nation’s rearview mirror.

Don and Joy Veinot, Revisiting “A House Divided Against Itself,” Nov 10, 2022 

Good, Bad, and UGLY

So much comes across my desk that it’s difficult to keep up with it!!

First, the good

A very interesting article about the names in Jesus’ genealogy.

Good, thought-provoking article about the current state of the church. This is from an email received from a ministry I have followed for years; I had been receiving this newsletter in the mail but I recently signed up for the email version.

Another thought-provoking article explaining how Christians are responsible for the state of our politics.

Godly rainbows and ungodly replicas. Thoughts about the culture in which we must live.

The Bad

Nation of Islam: a racist, anti-Semitic cult.

New Saddleback Church pastor, Andy Wood, is a false teacher.

A perfect example of why we quit supporting the Salvation Army years ago—and we used to be bell-ringers!

Joyce Meyer, heretic extraordinaire, now has a tattoo for God.  NO, she doesn’t “belong to Jesus,” and those who follow her are non-discerning sheep.

Is There Gnosticism In Your Church?

UGLY

Another example of the false teaching by Bethel’s Kris Vallotton.  But there’s more!  He also teaches the New Age idea of spirit animals. Vallotton is a perfect example of the problems with Bethel Redding “church.”

Then there’s the lying Bethel “pastor", Sean Feucht, teaching more unbiblical nonsense.

And don’t forget just how unbiblical and nonsensical is Hillsong.

Baptism of fire? NONSENSE!

“Christian” ouija board?!?! Talk about an oxymoron! It’s satanic.

If you think you can ‘bind satan’, think again.

Kat Kerr is more bizarre as days go by!

More evidence proving that the United Church of Christ has nothing to do with Christ. This particular assembly brags about a congregation of “over 50% LGBTQ.”

Beating a dead horse, maybe, but I can’t warn enough about The Chosen and how bad it is. And don’t forget they will give you a free trial of an “app” that lets you pray with cast members!

NOW, how about a humorous way to teach the Gospel to end this post!

Our Culture's Moral Free Fall

Our culture is in a moral free fall, and many Christians have succumbed to “frog in the kettle” syndrome as our entertainment mediums have gone from a slow moral decline to a full-speed-ahead moral collapse.

Ron Helle, "Grassroots Devotional"

Think About It

The Heresy of the Enneagram

The announced intention of this [Enneagram] psychological approach is to help Christians in personality development, Christian maturity, and spirituality. …

The teaching of the Enneagram is so far removed from the teaching of Scripture, that it becomes problematic to understand why Evangelical publishing houses would even print these New Age books, unless they are just publishing what sells and not what follows Scripture and moves the Christian and moves the Christian to be spiritually mature. Every major Christian doctrine regarding God, Jesus, salvation, and sanctification, et al, is denied, distorted, or assaulted by this Occult religious teaching that attempts to robe itself in Christian dress.

H.Wayne House, “Forward” to Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secret, by Don & Joy Veinot and Marcia Montenegro.

When YOU Use Discernment

Do NOT Let Your Ears Be Tickled

We should consider what is said—not with what eloquence it is said. Nor should we look at how it tickles the ears. Instead, we should look at the benefits that it confers on its hearers.

Arnobius (ca.305), 6:340. Cited in A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs, edited by David W. Bercot, pg.550

Many LEFTIST Churches Deny This Fact

The Christian man confines himself to the female sex.

Tertullian (ca.197), 3:51. Cited in A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs, edited by David W. Bercot, pg 347

Agglomeration Time!!

I just can’t keep up with all the horrid false teachers/teachings which come across my email and discernment news items. Paul’s second letter to Timothy sounds just like today’s “church” culture: For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. (2 Tim.4:3, NIV)

Of course I also come across some good stuff to share, and that is how I’m starting this post.

A good, short, exegetical study of 1 Timothy 2:12.

Cult information — Jehovah’s Witnesses false teachings.

Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life?

Yes, Christians can celebrate Halloween “trick-or-treating” without getting involved in the occult.

More about The Chosen and Mormonism.  More about the series is something viewers need to be aware of. Then there is the Mormon influence and control of The Chosen. Which is probably why there is so much heresy and blasphemy in the series. Yet Christians continue to praise it and finance it by watching it. There is also another heretical influence—the actor playing “Jesus” consults with the dead!  Seems like there are plenty of warnings about this horrible series.  How about one more!

Is there really a New Apostolic Reformation? Yes.

Watch for NAR adherent Lance Wallnau.

Bible-Believing Liberals. Excellent article, which really points out problems primarily with Rick Warren and Willow Creek, but also noting others such as the UMC, George Barna, C. Peter Wagner, John Shelby Spong, Joel Osteen, Bill Hybels, et al.

The Democrat Jesus.

Then there is Kris Vallotton:

Did you know that God has a dream? And other false teachings by false pastors.

Almost daily I learn about another false teacher/“pastor” and wonder what sort of people hire them and follow them—they certainly cannot be true Christians. In reality, they are of the same ilk who allow this satanic blasphemy in their assemblies.

More proof that T.D. Jakes is a blasphemous wolf.

Max Lucado has gone from bad to worse; he is a false teacher to avoid.

Matt Chandler and Tony Evans—apostatizing deeper and deeper.

Six reasons why you should avoid Beth Moore.  As if you need more than I’ve already given to you!

The Episcopal Church is a church of Satan.