Starting in November, I noticed a huge increase in divisive posts from people claiming to be Christians. They are all over social media. Its like an organized effort to divide Christianity. They post offensive memes and topics that do nothing but create strife among Believers. Is this satan's last stand, or is this an attempt to divide Christians before the 2024 election? Maybe a little a both?
I am always amused by the folks who feel led to be heresy hunters. They police the Body for anything that strays from their "religious rudiments." They are quick to take a sermon completely out of context to prove someone is demonic or a heretic. One really disgusting habit is selective editing of video, so the sermon/lesson lacks context. And of course many of these fine folks are at best carnal Christians, so they lack the maturity to understand Spiritual Truth. To them, its just "spooky" and needs to be condemned.
One of their latest attacks was against Kenneth Copeland - a frequent target of heresy hunters. For the record, I know his ministry well. I've read probably 90% of his books, listened to many sermons, and even attended a Believer's Convention. There is nothing heretical or demonic about his ministry - unless you are not spiritually mature. I was once a religious person. I was Born Again, and lived in the same house with my Spirit-filled parents. But I was just a babe in Christ. I saw them operating their spiritual gifts, experienced the miracles, yet found it "spooky" at times. Now that I have matured, I know exactly what was happening, and saw how God worked through my parents - often saving me from my own stupidity.
For instance, God would instruct them to pray for me when I was in trouble. They would have no natural knowledge of what I was involved in, so they would pray God's Perfect Will - in the Spirit. When they had peace, they would stop. Sometimes the Holy Spirit would reveal exactly what was happening, other times it was kept under wraps - and Praise God for His Love AND discretion. As soon as we could talk, they would ask me what happened, either to confirm what they already knew, or fill in the missing pieces. Their knowledge of my shenanigans was uncanny. Yet it was their relationship with the Father, and their spiritual maturity, that kept me safe through my wild years.
When I share that with unbelievers, they immediately dismiss it as coincidence or mysticism. Oddly, it is often dismissed by the religious as well. They prefer the God they know to stay in their neat little box. They go to church, sing a song, read a Bible verse, hear a nice talk, and go about their lives. Someone teaching/preaching under the anointing of God MUST be heresy. Someone gets healed, experiences a financial miracle, that is nonsense. We KNOW miracles ended 2,000 years ago! You just want to scream, "WHY BELIEVE IN AN IMPOTENT GOD!"
Here is the Copeland Tweet. This was widely shared on blogs and social media, fomenting many derogatory replies.
This was posted by several pastors, and received many hateful comments from Christians who should know better. I blotted out their names, as my purpose is not to attack them, but the spirit behind the posts. God will deal with them far better than I can, and do it mercifully. Look at the verbiage used. Are these truly men of God? Are they walking in Love? Are they doing their best to keep the peace, or unity in the Spirit? Unfortunately, NO. they are sowing division and strife in the Body, along with confusion. Just because you do not understand something, does not make it demonic. If they are just passing out grape juice and pieces of stale bread once a month, without teaching the importance of Blood Covenants, and how it applies to modern Believers, they are not properly teaching their flock. And I have been in many churches that do just that. Communion is just a religious ritual "that you do" once a month. Some more often, some less often.
Its ironic that religious leaders would call other ministers or evangelists demonic. That puts Copeland in elect company. The religious leaders in the 1st century were fond of calling Jesus a servant of satan. Think about that for a moment. The Son of God was DESTROYING all the works of satan - healing the sick, delivering the oppressed, raising the dead, forgiving sin, supplying the needs of many, yet those whose very lives were dedicated to knowing God, did NOT recognize Him in their presence! That should make you think before you criticize anyone in ministry. How about some mutual respect? Or at the very least, follow the wise advice of Gamaliel, who Saul, later Paul, trained under.
38 Now in the present case let me say to you, stand off (withdraw) from these men and let them alone. For if this doctrine or purpose or undertaking or movement is of human origin, it will fail (be overthrown and come to nothing);
39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop or overthrow or destroy them; you might even be found fighting against God!
Acts 5:38-39 AMP
I have heard Copeland and others teach on Blood Covenants. I have also read several books on the subject. Cutting covenants goes back to the dawn of time. When Abraham doubted he would have a son, God cut a Blood Covenant with him. That is also what led God to request Abraham to offer Isaac. The Covenant meant that everything God owned belonged to Abraham, and vice versa. So God PROVED Abraham would perform his side of the deal - certainly God could and would perform His. Abraham offered Isaac, yet he was stopped short of actually killing his son - that would be murder. Instead, God provided HIMSELF a lamb in his place. This profound event allowed God to move forward with offering Jesus! Its GOOD NEWS if you receive it! And one heck of a REVELATION, if you have ears to hear. (Genesis 15 & 22, Deuteronomy 7)
Blood Covenants have devolved into sometimes grotesque ceremonies - men, especially religious folks, screw up everything. But the basic concept remains. Copeland has a Native American background, so he has a unique perspective on the value of a Blood Covenant that most Western Europeans/Americans do not share. The demonstration, they only pretended to cut their hands, was so folks could visualize how covenants were often done. And of course understand the POWER behind such a covenant. It was broken on pain of death. It was designed to connect people, or tribes, or families for equal advantage. A stronger tribe might cut a covenant with a weaker one. Together, they are stronger, and that might provide more trade or economic activity. Marriages might be a part of the negotiation, strengthening the bonds between the tribes. Compared to treaties so often ignored, Blood Covenants were rarely broken. Breaking a Covenant could bring about a curse on the whole tribe!
There are many good books on this subject that I recommend - H Clay Trumbull - The Blood Covenant, E.W. Kenyon - The Blood Covenant, H. A. Whyte - The Power Of The Blood, Andrew Murray - The Blood of Christ, and Kenneth Copeland has a mini book study guide - Covenant of Blood. Another related book that I found very interesting is M.R. DeHaan, M.D. - The Chemistry of the Blood. You can find these and others here: Blood Covenant. All excellent additions to your library.
Too many pastors do NOT understand spiritually or historically the importance of Blood Covenants. They would prefer to attack another minister rather than possibly learn from them. If we were keeping score, that is known as PRIDE. Its no surprise that folks mock what they don't understand. But most importantly, when you attack the Body, you attack JESUS. He takes EVERY attack on His Body PERSONALLY, as one of the most famous heresy hunters found out. (Acts 9)
Another favorite target of religious folks is Joel Osteen. The attacks come from every direction. His sermons have no depth. Well, maybe that is what his flock needs. Maybe he is addressing them at their spiritual level, or following the leading of the Holy Spirit. He is very wealthy, therefore he must be evil. Yet there is not a pastor on this planet who would dare offend or chase away wealthy members from their own congregation. He oppresses the poor and steals from people. That claim always amazes me, as I have never seen anyone forcing folks to give money to a church. And in this case, Osteen is a VERY successful author, 7 #1 New York Times bestsellers to his credit. Between his writing, along with the books written by his wife, they have earned every penny of their wealth many times over. And its been reported frequently that he takes no salary from Lakewood Church - why would he? And if he did, so what? If that is what the leadership of Lakewood decides, or the Holy Spirit directs, you do it. What outsiders think doesn't matter. As long as it is legal, and at God's direction, I have no problem with it and neither should any Christian, or even a pastor - Christian or not.
One of his first books, Your Best Life Now - sold over 8 million copies! And he has written more than 18 titles to date. Why is it OK for the world to make millions writing, publishing, and speaking, but somehow evil when a Christian is financially Blessed? Why does jealousy seem to be most prevalent among those who claim to be followers of God?
Again, I edited out the name of the person who posted this. This same message, and ones very similar, are all over social media. Its odd, I look at that property and think - Wow! God is SO Good. What a Blessing from the Lord. He is a GOOD God. And I truly believe folks who obsess over things like this DON'T KNOW GOD. If they did, they would rejoice every time a Believer is BLESSED. It is just further proof to the world that God is real, and Loves His Kids.
How did folks know someone was Blessed in the Bible? They saw the physical evidence of wealth. Maybe its time these "pastors" read the Bible. Its a GOOD Book! Look what God did for Isaac during a famine. And note how the "world" reacted to God's Blessing on him.
12 Then Isaac sowed seed in that land and received in the same year a hundred times as much as he had planted, and the Lord favored him with blessings.
13 And the man became great and gained more and more until he became very wealthy and distinguished;
14 He owned flocks, herds, and a great supply of servants, and the Philistines envied him.
Genesis 26:12-14 AMP
So today's pastors were the Philistines of the Bible. Not the comparison I would want.
The Favor of God is another way the world can recognize God working through someone. Take the life of Joseph from the Old Testament.
2 But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to flourish and succeed in his hand. [Gen. 21:22; 26:27, 28; 41:38, 39.]
4 So Joseph pleased [Potiphar] and found favor in his sight, and he served him. And [his master] made him supervisor over his house and he put all that he had in his charge.
5 From the time that he made him supervisor in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the Lord’s blessing was on all that he had in the house and in the field.
6 And [Potiphar] left all that he had in Joseph’s charge and paid no attention to anything he had except the food he ate. Now Joseph was an attractive person and fine-looking.
Genesis 39:2-6 AMP
How many memes would we see declaring Joseph a heretic if social media and our favorite heresy hunters were around back then? And just imagine their umbrage when Joseph was miraculously, IN ONE DAY, elevated from slave in prison, to the 2nd most powerful man in the civilized world!
7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and He lifts up.
8 He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts up the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with nobles and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them.
9 He will guard the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked shall be silenced and perish in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them will He thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge [all peoples] to the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His king (King) and exalt the power of His anointed (Anointed His Christ). [Luke 1:46.]
1 Samuel 2:7-10 AMP
God is so good to those WHO BELIEVE. But you know, you will never enjoy what you preach against. If you dismiss God's MANY promises of Blessing and Favor, ridicule them, calling it a "Prosperity Gospel" - why would you expect anything from God? You are in fact preaching a poverty gospel, keeping God's people in darkness and bondage. Judge for yourself what God desires. Without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God. Those who approach God MUST believe that He is a REWARDER of those who DILIGENTLY seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Just take a look at these next two related memes. They were posted by folks who claim to be Christians. Try to imagine Jesus posting something like this. He treated women with respect, knowing that women, especially when Born Again, are New Creations in Christ. And in the Body, there is NEITHER male or female. Why is this concept so difficult for religious folks to understand? (Romans 8:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:15-21, Galatians 3:27-29)
- Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to abstain from sexual relations. - 1 Corinthians 7:1 NLT
- Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. - 1 Corinthians 8:1 NLT
- Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle. 3 This is my answer to those who question my authority. - 1 Corinthians 9:2–3 NLT
- 23 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. - 1 Corinthians 10:23–24 NLT
- Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. 1 Corinthians 12:1 NLT
- 12 And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church. - 1 Corinthians 14:12 NLT
- 34 Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. 35 If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings. - 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 NLT
36 What! Did the word of the Lord originate with you [Corinthians], or has it reached only you?37 If anyone thinks and claims that he is a prophet [filled with and governed by the Holy Spirit of God and inspired to interpret the divine will and purpose in preaching or teaching] or has any other spiritual endowment, let him understand (recognize and acknowledge) that what I am writing to you is a command of the Lord.38 But if anyone disregards or does not recognize [that it is a command of the Lord], he is disregarded and not recognized [he is one whom God knows not].39 So [to conclude], my brethren, earnestly desire and set your hearts on prophesying (on being inspired to preach and teach and to interpret God’s will and purpose), and do not forbid or hinder speaking in [unknown] tongues.40 But all things should be done with regard to decency and propriety and in an orderly fashion.1 Corinthians 14:36-40 AMP
4 A man dishonors his head if he covers his head while praying or prophesying. 5 But a woman dishonors her head if she prays or prophesies without a covering on her head, for this is the same as shaving her head. - 1 Corinthians 11:4–5 NLT
Is it Biblical for a woman to be a pastor? You might find some good Christians that understand that silencing women is not Biblical. So the religious make their final stand claiming that ONLY men are fit to be in ministry, often specifically pastors. The passages in Timothy are most often used in support. But frankly, its not up to them.
The Body of Christ has MANY parts, but there is only ONE HEAD - Jesus. All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Sons, because Jesus is a man and there is ONE Body. (Romans 8) Religion divides and causes strife - as we see above. The Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness. (Galatians 5). There should be unity in the Body. It was the Holy Spirit that brought unity to Jewish and Gentile Believers in the 1st Century. (Acts 11)
God, not religion, decides where people go in the Body.
12 For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
13 For by [means of the personal agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one limb or organ but of many.
15 If the foot should say, Because I am not the hand, I do not belong to the body, would it be therefore not [a part] of the body?
16 If the ear should say, Because I am not the eye, I do not belong to the body, would it be therefore not [a part] of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where [would be the sense of] hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where [would be the sense of] smell?
18 But as it is, God has placed and arranged the limbs and organs in the body, each [particular one] of them, just as He wished and saw fit and with the best adaptation.
1 Corinthians 12:12-18 AMP
Note carefully the passage above. WHO decides where someone is placed in the Body. Not men, not religion, but God alone. He has planned out the life of everyone, when and where they are born, the Grace on their life, and their calling. Some reject this and never realize the joy of being in God's Perfect Will. Others attempt to be something else - like shoe salesmen trying to be preachers. And others step into their calling and are truly Blessed, and a Blessing to others. Just think of the damage done the last 2,000 years of literally blocking half the Body from realizing their plan and purpose for their lives. If God calls a young person into the ministry, adults need to nurture that desire and pray for confirmation from the Lord. If God did call them, there is nothing religion can do to stop it.
Now its time to wrap things up. I wanted to focus on division and strife that is coming from those who claim to be Christian. I will save the posts from atheist and agitators for another time. The increasing number of these posts got me thinking and praying. Why so much now? Certainly we are closer to the end than ever, and satan is more active knowing his time is short. But I believe this is an organized effort - by whom, I am not sure. But it seems an interesting coincidence that we are entering election season. Who would benefit most from Christians fighting amongst themselves? This is a time we should be united more than ever, and set aside most of these disagreements. I tend to want to respond to every silly or ignorant post, but often I am just getting in the mud with them. And its likely not to change the heart of someone working for the enemy. So I blog and believe folks will be edified.
We are in the last days, that is obvious by the prophetic events and the signs of the times. Its more important than ever for Believers to be acting in the unity of the Spirit. That means walking in LOVE, especially with members of the Body of Christ. We need to be united in prayer for those in authority. And when it comes time to vote, cast it like a seed, as directed by the Spirit.
33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
John 16:33 AMP
Here are a few more links that folks might find helpful on the question of women in ministry. I know its a hot button for some, although it should not be.
Female Pastors? – What The Bible Says About Women Preachers
Women Pastors – Paul’s Advice, Or Liberty For Female Ministers?
And don't forget, I have lots of original Christian Christmas stories at my site for kids of all ages. Please take a look and share with your friends.
Read Free Christmas Christian Stories For Kids Online
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