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12 - False Teachers

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2nd Timothy 4,3

 

3 For the time will come when people 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.

 

 The "new apostolic movement" includes a number of well-known figures who represent it externally. These are usually self-proclaimed "apostles" and "prophets." They frequently use Christian terms like "Jesus" or "Hallelujah" to create an impression of piety. Many of them are vain personalities who enjoy being the center of attention on stage and commanding the attention of others. Quite a few are conspicuous for their loud and aggressive preaching style, which often comes across as highly artificial and contrived. Their (special) teachings and alleged testimonies also contradict Holy Scripture in content. Instead of proclaiming sound doctrine, they often preach what their audience wants to hear or what appeals to (especially young) people. Even silly jokes and personal provocations, which testify to a lack of spiritual maturity, are frequently interspersed with their preaching.

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James 3,1

 

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

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James warns that teachers of the church will receive a more severe judgment. This means that GOD judges those who teach others the Word especially harshly. Therefore, anyone who deliberately preaches false teachings will sooner or later be held accountable by GOD unless they repent. For this reason, Paul recommends that only believers who possess the necessary spiritual maturity and have proven themselves in the church should be entrusted with the teaching. Today, however, there are many young and inexperienced people (especially in charismatic circles) who spread their corrupting teachings and views both in their churches and on the internet (above all on YouTube). Furthermore, their lifestyles often do not set good examples for others. Among them are several women, even though the Bible explicitly forbids women from teaching in the church.

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13. False Apostles

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Ephesians 4,11 f.

 

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

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2nd Corinthians 12,11 f.

 

11 I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. 12 I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles. 

 

The office of apostle represents the highest office within the church. All apostles were personally chosen by the Lord Jesus. The only exception is Matthias, who was added to the eleven disciples by lot after the suicide of Judas Iscariot. The first apostles possessed special authority not available to every believer. They continually undertook dangerous missionary journeys to proclaim the gospel throughout the world, established congregations which they took turns to oversee, and appointed elders over them. Furthermore, they received direct revelations from Jesus. In the course of their preaching, they regularly performed supernatural miracles. Paul explains that these served as signs to authenticate them as true apostles and and to distinguish them from false apostles.

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2nd Corinthians 11,12-15

 

12 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. 

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In New Apostolic circles, there are several people who call themselves "apostles." In the vast majority of cases, however, these are clearly false apostles. They are neither appointed by Jesus nor undertake worldwide missionary journeys. Furthermore, they neither receive credible revelations from Jesus nor walk in the signs of an apostle, as was the case with the first apostles. Many of them are women, while not a single example of a female apostle can be found in the Bible. As such, such apostles are not recognized before GOD. These self-proclaimed apostles boast of being apostles of the Lord, although in truth they are servants of Satan and primarily pursue financial interests. They repeatedly emphasize their alleged "divine anointing" or "election," which makes them untouchable in their eyes. They tolerate no contradiction and do not accept teachings from others. At the same time, they promote other false "apostles" and "prophets" who share their own mentality.

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​Their main business often consists of selling books and other items, as well as offering fee-based seminars. Quite a few of them live very wealthy lives and maintain a worldly lifestyle. This is reflected both in their demeanor and their outward appearance (clothing, hairstyle, etc.). Some have been known in the past for serious sins and scandals (fornication, adultery, sexual abuse, embezzlement of donations for personal use, among others), which, however, in many cases went unchallenged. A veritable personality cult exists around some, which is strictly to be rejected from a biblical perspective. The Bible urges Christians to stay away from such false apostles and, at the same time, to warn others about them so as not to be seduced.

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Ephesians 2,19 f.

 

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with GOD’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

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Opinions differ on the question of whether there are still apostles today. Paul explains that the church of GOD is built on the foundation of the apostles and the (Old Testament) prophets, with the Lord Jesus himself as the cornerstone and simultaneously the head of the body. From this, it can be concluded that the office of apostle was given exclusively for the early days of Christianity, until the first churches were formed and the New Testament was completed. Now that the foundation has been laid, no further apostles are needed. This is also supported by the fact that since then, there have been no Christians who possessed all the identifying characteristics of the first apostles—and this has continued to be the case to this day.

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14 - Signs and Wonders​​

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Matthew 7,22 f.

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22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

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Matthew 24,24

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24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

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In the early days of Christianity, GOD performed many miracles through the apostles in the name of Jesus. The book of Acts records healings, deliverances from demons, and even resurrections from the dead. In this respect, supernatural miracles are definitely biblical. However, these were never the focus of the preaching, but were always accompanying. We find no indication in the Holy Scriptures that GOD no longer performs miracles today. On the other hand, Jesus warned his disciples about false prophets who would perform great deeds in his name, even though they were never truly his. This warning is repeated in numerous places in the New Testament. It is also said of the Antichrist and the Beast mentioned in the Book of Revelation that they would perform signs and wonders to deceive people. It is not clear whether these are genuine miracles or merely apparent miracles, such as those experienced at many charismatic events. The same applies to all testimonies of alleged healings and resurrections of the dead, for which there is no evidence whatsoever.

 

Then as now, extraordinary events occur all over the world in which people are healed supernaturally, yet without any connection to Jesus. For example, numerous people report miraculous healings by Mary, the "Mother of GOD," which they have experienced in the Grotto of Lourdes, the world's most visited pilgrimage site in southwest France. This in no way means that these miracles were performed by GOD, nor that the Catholic Church is a Church of GOD, or that Mary, who is venerated as a holy icon in Catholicism, should represent an authority for Christians. In connection with Eucharistic celebrations during Catholic masses, it is said that various people have allegedly been taken up to heaven. Miraculous experiences are also frequently heard of in Far Eastern religions (see shamanism). Even in Islam, miraculous healings are practiced through magic. The Old Testament contains several examples of supernatural miracles related to demons. In this context, the New Testament mentions a person named Simon the Sorcerer, who impressed many with his magical powers. Sorcery and the occult were already widespread in ancient times and have always captivated people. However, the Bible explicitly warns us against any form of sorcery and magic. Therefore, those who focus too much on signs and wonders are more likely to be seduced.

 

The fact that miracles occur in some charismatic gatherings (in the name of Jesus) is not in itself proof that they are actually due to the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, GOD Himself can use false teachers to perform healings through them so that people will convert to Him. Later, GOD can open their eyes and lead them onto the right path. Given the multitude of temptations today, it is justified that Christians question such things and should not be equated with an alleged "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit," as charismatics often claim. For GOD is very capable of distinguishing whether someone is judging out of arrogance and envy (see Pharisees) or out of caution or to protect others from the influence of evil forces. The decisive factor here is the personal attitude of the heart.

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15 - "Drunkenness in the Spirit" / "Divine Laughter" / "Divine Fire" / "Dancing in the Spirit" / Falling Backwards

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Acts 2,12-15

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12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!

 

Ephesians 5,18-20

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18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to GOD the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Bizarre phenomena can be observed in many charismatic gatherings: People suddenly feel a strong inner burning sensation or fall backward and lie dazed on the ground. Some twitch and tremble all over, or writhe on the ground like snakes. Others make animal noises, or begin to cry for no reason, or laugh hysterically. Still others become euphoric or stammer and slur as if drunk. All of these questionable phenomena first occurred in 1994 at the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship Church (formerly Toronto Airport Vineyard Church). They became known as the "Toronto Blessing." Although officially attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit, neither a teaching nor any comparable example can be found in the New Testament, neither in connection with Jesus nor his apostles. Often, these events are directly related to individuals distributing so-called "spiritual anointings." In most cases, this is done through direct touch, waving hand gestures, loud cries (such as "Come, Holy Spirit!", "Fire!", or "More, more!", among others), and breathing on the audience. Such actions, which are found in almost every charismatic worship service, are also completely foreign to the Bible.

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The book of Acts records how the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost. Although the disciples were now filled with the Spirit of GOD, they remained completely sober and sound-headed. The power of the Holy Spirit was revealed in the Apostle Peter's authoritative preaching, after which 3,000 people were converted to GOD. Furthermore, the Spirit empowered the disciples to speak in unlearned foreign languages, through which they could proclaim the great deeds of GOD in the respective dialects of the people present. Both served to glorify GOD and to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. The phenomena mentioned above, however, serve neither one nor the other purpose. Therefore, every Spirit-filled believer should clearly reject such behavior as ungodly and unbiblical.

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Both the "laughter of GOD" and the falling backwards of people, as seen in charismatic assemblies, are exclusively associated with judgment in the Bible, whereas people who worshiped GOD always prostrated themselves forward. If a person fell on their face before GOD, it was because they were overwhelmed by GOD's glory or because GOD had convicted them of their sins.

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Galatians 5,22 f.

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22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

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2nd Timothy 1,7

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7  For the Spirit GOD gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

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The Bible admonishes all believers in at least nine places to be sober and prudent. This doesn't just apply to the consumption of alcohol and drugs. The word "nepho" (= sober) means to be free from all emotional and spiritual drunkenness. This also includes emotional exuberance, passions, confusion, and excessive excitement or artificial exaltation. At Pentecost, only a few scoffers claimed that the disciples were drunk, which was untrue.

The Holy Spirit is a spirit of sobriety and self-control. He enlightens our minds and activates our wills. Being led by the Holy Spirit does not mean turning off our minds or giving in uncontrollably to our emotions. Those who do so run the risk of being more easily manipulated (see hypnosis). Furthermore, such a person is more susceptible to the influence of demons and evil spirits (see spiritual medium). Paul's call to be "filled with the Spirit" does not mean relinquishing self-control, but rather praising GOD and encouraging and admonishing one another in the Word with a sober mind.

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Many of the phenomena mentioned here also occur in pagan religions, particularly in shamanism, spiritualism, Hinduism, and voodoo (see also Toronto Blessing). In the yoga tradition, one speaks of the so-called "shaktipat" (= power charge), which refers to the "descent of divine energy." This is usually activated or transferred to the disciple through "the blessing of a guru" (= master). This cosmic energy is also known as "kundalini" (= coiled). The disciple must first open themselves to the master's energy in order to receive it. Through the laying on of hands by the master, whose touch has a supernatural effect, the disciples fall onto their backs in a trance. This can also occur through other gestures. The parallels to charismatic practice are obvious. Large-scale evangelistic events at which these phenomena occur resemble mass hypnosis. In any case, they have nothing to do with the Bible. This only leads to the conclusion that these are spiritualistic-occult practices under Christian guise. The devil has always tried to copy God's gifts in order to manipulate people and thus make them open themselves to demonic powers and grant them privileges. Therefore, "churches" where such practices are practiced should be consistently avoided, even if the worship service otherwise appears pious.

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16 - Demons

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In charismatic religion, a great focus is placed on the casting out of demons. This usually goes far beyond what the Scriptures say regarding demons or evil spirits. It is claimed that believers can be possessed by any kind of demon. Sinful behavior, as well as the slightest health problems, are attributed to "demonic activity." For this reason, exorcisms are regularly held, in which the supposed demons are expelled through the laying on of hands and accompanied by so-called "praying in tongues." However, many of these events turn out to be fake and staged.

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The Bible contains only sparse information about demons and only a few examples of them being cast out. Most of them are found in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. The New Testament does not contain a comprehensive teaching about demons, as taught in charismatic churches. When demons and evil spirits possessed people, they acted brutally and unpredictably. The possessed people were no longer in control of their senses and instead displayed abnormal behavior. In some situations, they were completely incapacitated. This meant that they had to be brought to Jesus so that he could cast out the evil spirits. In other cases, Jesus came to the affected people.

The fact that a supposedly possessed person, who behaves reasonably most of the time, can attend a charismatic gathering without being hindered by the evil spirit, and that the spirit only begins to manifest itself on stage, does not indicate the presence of real demons. The same applies to situations where the casting out takes several minutes or even hours. When Jesus or the apostles cast out demons in his name, they left the person immediately. It never took more than one attempt. Furthermore, nowhere is it stated that Jesus and his apostles prayed in "tongues" or that praying in "tongues" had any effect on demons. The name "Jesus" is sufficient. For there is no demon that can resist the name of Jesus. If, on the other hand, a person does not respond to the name of Jesus, then this is a sign that they are not possessed by a demon. Equally unbiblical are spiritual campaigns, including the so-called "Jesus Marches," in which territories are "prayed free" and "conquered" by fighters.

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Mark 9,17-29

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17  A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” (...) 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

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This statement doesn't mean that one must recite specific prayers before casting out a demon. Rather, Jesus wanted his disciples to understand that one must fundamentally lead an obedient life before GOD in order to effectively free people from demons. This includes constant prayer. Regardless, this is an exceptional situation, which also occurred at a time when the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out. It was Jesus who had given his disciples the special authority to cast out demons and evil spirits. Only after Pentecost were the apostles able to cast them out in the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

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John 8,31 f.

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31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 

Demons are real, and casting them out is a biblical practice. The problem with charismatic practice, however, is its overemphasis on the occult. This can create unfounded fears in believers; in some cases, it can even cause harm. Second, Jesus teaches that spiritual healing and deliverance come primarily through knowing the truth taught to us by GOD's Word. Through sincere repentance, fears, addictions, sinful habits, and other dependencies can be (permanently) overcome, and curses can be broken. GOD's Word is the most powerful weapon against every kind of temptation. If we resolutely resist the devil, he will flee from us and lose his power over us. Then we need fear neither Satan nor his demons in any way.

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Romans 13,13 f.

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13  Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

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James 1,13 f.

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13 When tempted, no one should say, “GOD is tempting me.” For GOD cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

 

The fact is that people can open themselves up to the influence of demons through sinful behavior or contact with occult practices. However, whether born-again Christians can be controlled by evil spirits remains controversial. Even though Satan can tempt a believer outwardly, it is primarily our flesh (= the former desires that determined our old self) that inwardly entices us to sinful behavior, which in turn leads to addiction. Fear and worry, in turn, usually arise from a lack of trust in GOD. Therefore, the Bible calls us to focus on GOD and His promises and, furthermore, to deny/crucify/put to death our fleshly desires. This is a constant process that requires much prayer and perseverance. To do this, we must renew our minds and allow our actions to be determined in every moment by GOD's Spirit who dwells within us. In this way, GOD can unfold His mighty power within us. Then nothing can control us.

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17 - End-Time Revival

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Acts 2,17-21

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17 “‘In the last days, GOD says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

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2nd Thessalonians 2:3

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3  Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

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GOD promised to pour out His Spirit upon humanity in the end times. This already happened on the Day of Pentecost, as the book of Acts testifies. In those days, great revivals took place, and many people came to faith. However, only the first part of the prophecy was fulfilled at that time; the second part, concerning the signs and wonders related to the heavenly powers, was still pending. This event will precede the Second Coming of Jesus. Contrary to the teachings of the charismatics, there will be no great revivals in the last days immediately before the Lord's return. On the contrary: Jesus and his apostles warn of a great apostasy and many deceivers who will appear in large numbers throughout the world. Since the Apostle Peter's Pentecost sermon, there have been repeated smaller revival movements. However, many of them (see Mormons, Adventists, charismatics) were not from GOD. Instead, they gave rise to a series of false teachings, some with disastrous consequences for Christianity. The massive mass evangelism events of Pentecostal preachers are also often based on a false gospel and spurious "miracles." In this respect, the warnings of the New Testament apply very precisely to the so-called "New Apostolic Movement."

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18 - "Sinner's Prayer"

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​Matthew 4,17

 

17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

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The Bible teaches that faith in Jesus involves a person's complete conversion to GOD. This includes 1. confession of Jesus (as "Lord" and "Christ"), 2. belief in Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection, 3. sincere repentance (i.e., turning away from one's old, sinful life), and 4. baptism in the name of Jesus. A so-called "sinner's prayer," as practiced in charismatic and other churches, must be followed by a new, holy way of life. Otherwise, it remains mere lip service that cannot save anyone.

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19 - Women's Meetings

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"Women's circles," which now exist in almost all charismatic and other churches, are newfangled phenomena that did not exist in the early days of Christianity and are not intended by GOD. In this way, women evade the authority of men and elders in order to exercise spiritual authority themselves, something they are not entitled to according to the Bible and which, strictly speaking, is an expression of carnal rebellion. Prayer and mission groups and other ministries are also often led by women. Instead of isolating themselves, all believing women, just like all believing men, should participate in the regular meetings of their congregation. Instead of teaching or leading, women should learn in silence and submit. From a biblical perspective, there is no reason for men and women to meet separately. Even personal matters, which are often cited as an excuse, can be discussed in the presence of the elders and all believers. When it comes to very urgent intimate matters, some of the sisters may withdraw for a certain period of time.

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20 - Dangerous Charismatic Figures and Churches

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Men:

Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin, Peter Wagner, Bill Johnson, Todd White, Todd Bentley, Benny Hinn, James Goll, TD Jakes, Lou Engle, Brandon Biggs, Rodney Howard-Browne, Daniel Kolenda, Bob Johnes, Jenn Johnson, Nelson Alvarez, Richard Lorenzo, Joseph Prince, Kris Valloton, Robert Morris, Jesse Duplantis, Randy Clark, Michael J. Brown, Yonggi Cho etc.

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Women:

Joyce Meyer, Paula White, Elizabeth Alves, Sharon Stone, Katie Souza, Jenny Weaver, Kathryn Krick, Jennifer LeClaire, Emma Stark, Cindy Jacobs, Patricia King, Heidi Baker etc.

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Churches:

Bethel-Church, Vineyard, Bethany Church, Life Church, Gateway Church, Hillsong, Calvary Temple oder ICF etc.