Published by admin on 17 Nov 2012 at 02:55 am
Beware of Gifted Apostates
BEWARE OF GIFTED APOSTATES©
By: Derrick P. Rodgers
On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
—Matthew 7:22, 23
“Homosexual activists” that are in the church today will attempt to convince you that homosexuals are being used by God to advance His Kingdom because they are gifted.
One of the most common signs of a modern day false prophet, is “they will embrace or tolerate the homosexual lifestyle.” If a Christian leader outright endorses practicing homosexuals as being used by God to advance His Kingdom or the leader appears to be ambiguous about the subject, you can be sure this is an indication that this type of leader is a false prophet. Anyone that teaches that God uses Homosexuals to advance his Kingdom is propagating false doctrine. If any confessed preacher or leader of the gospel cannot and will not publicly decree to their congregation or audience that homosexuality is sin and not of God, you should run from them.
This surge of false teaching is distorted with deceitful unity and a desperate attempt to merge with Egypt. God never uses people who are practicing abomination. Christian leaders and saints that espouse this type of doctrine often communicates that God is so desperate to have gifted people in His Kingdom that He is willing to compromise and breach His own word just to have unity and become accepted by all. This is indeed a spirit of deception being governed by Jezebel to seduce the minds of Gods people to buy into a sinister trap which lures saints into active participation of worshipping the idol god Baal. 1 Kings 18:18, Revelation 2:20.
Many are under the impression that because an individual is gifted, they are automatically approved by God. There are many modern day false prophets propagating false doctrine and false patterns of ministry, which are extremely gifted and talented. The reality is; God the Father is not impressed and mesmerized with any of our giftings or talents. God looks for those who are obedient and compliant to His Holy word, producing genuine character that reflects Him. Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.” (John 8:31)
We must remember that Satan is also gifted and can transform himself into an angel of light. Too many saints are following gifted leaders without any regards to their false doctrine, false ministry patterns, and hideous lifestyles. The operation of their gifting seems to isolate them from any accountability and correction. Some saints just continue to follow them blindly because they are “so gifted,” while others continue to follow them because they are stubborn rebels. Isaiah 30:9-11.
As obscure as it is to some, God has abandoned many apostate leaders that refuse to repent; nonetheless they are still functioning strong in their gifts.
Because “gifted apostates” have mastered their gifts, many naive saints are deceived and cannot discern the operation of “charismatic witchcraft.” The bottom line is this, “people can operate fluently in a gift without Gods endorsement.” They can have influence and lots of money and not be approved by God.
Remember, God abandoned King Saul, however Saul continued in the ministry with his gifting and influence and yet God was not with him. So it was then, so it is today. Beware of coming into alliance with gifted apostates.
William Kimball on 17 Nov 2012 at 3:17 am #
Derrick, Don’t let the naysayers trouble you. Paul didn’t hold back. Here’s someting to give you a smile on this subject:
“Complaint Letters To The Editor”
If Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians was Published in Christianity Today
Dear Christianity Today:
In response to Paul D. Apostles article about the Galatian church in your January issue, I have to say how appalled I am by the unchristian tone of this hit piece. Why the negativity? Has he been to the Galatian church recently? I happen to know some of the people at that church, and they are the most loving, caring people I’ve ever met.
Phyllis Snodgrass; Ann Arbor, MI
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Dear Editor:
How arrogant of Mr. Apostle to think he has the right to judge these people and label them accursed. Isn’t that God’s job? Regardless of this circumcision issue, these Galatians believe in Jesus just as much as he does, and it is very Pharisaical to condemn them just because they differ on such a secondary issue. Personally, I don’t want a sharp instrument anywhere near my zipper, but that doesn’t give me the right to judge how someone else follows Christ. Can’t we just focus on our common commitment to Christ and furthering His kingdom, instead of tearing down fellow believers over petty doctrinal matters?
Ed Bilgeway; Tonganoxie, KS
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Dear CT:
I’ve seen other dubious articles by Paul Apostle in the past, and frankly I’m surprised you felt that his recurrent criticisms of the Church deserved to be printed in your magazine. Mr. Apostle for many years now has had a penchant for thinking he has a right to “mark” certain Christian teachers who don’t agree with his biblical position. Certainly I commend him for desiring to stay faithful to God’s word, but I think he errs in being so dogmatic about his views to the point where he feels free to openly attack his brethren. His attitude makes it difficult to fully unify the Church, and gives credence to the opposition’s view that Christians are judgmental, arrogant people who never show God’s love.
Ken Groener; San Diego, CA
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To the Editors:
Paul Apostle says that he hopes the Galatian teachers will cut off their own privates? What kind of Christian attitude is that? Shame on him!
Martha Bobbitt; Boulder, CO
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Dear Christianity Today:
The fact that Paul Apostle brags about his public run-in with Peter Cephas, a well-respected leader and brother in Christ, exposes Mr. Apostle for the divisive figure that he has become in the Church today. His diatribe against the Galatian church is just more of the same misguided focus on an antiquated reliance on doctrine instead of love and tolerance. Just look how his hypercritical attitude has cast aspersions on homosexual believers and women elders! The real problem within the Church today is not the lack of doctrinal devotion, as Apostle seems to believe, but in our inability to be transformed by our individual journeys in the Spirit. Evidently, Apostle has failed to detach himself from his legalistic background as a Pharisee, and is unable to let go and experience the genuine love for Christ that is coming from the Galatians who strive to worship God in their own special way.
William Zenby; Richmond, VA
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Kind Editors:
I happen to be a member of First Christian Church of Galatia, and I take issue with Mr. Apostle’s article. How can he criticize a ministry that has been so blessed by God? Our church has baptized many new members and has made huge in-roads in the Jewish community with our pragmatic view on circumcision. Such a “seeker-sensitive” approach has given the Jews the respect they deserve for being God’s chosen people for thousands of years. In addition, every Gentile in our midst has felt honored to engage in the many edifying rituals of the Hebrew heritage, including circumcision, without losing their passion for Jesus. My advice to Mr. Apostle is to stick to spreading the gospel message of Christ’s unconditional love, and quit criticizing what God is clearly blessing in other churches.
Miriam “Betty” Ben-Hur; Galatia, Turkey
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Christianity Today apologizes for our rash decision in publishing Paul Apostle’s exposé of the Galatian church. Had we known the extent in which our readership and advertisers would withdraw their financial support, we never would have printed such unpopular biblical truth. We regret any damage we may have caused in propagating the doctrines of Christ.
William
-Copenhagen, Denmark
Derrick P. Rodgers on 17 Nov 2012 at 3:18 am #
I thank God for His ability, to fulfill His will.
Derrick P. Rodgers
-USA
Tom Stewart on 17 Nov 2012 at 3:19 am #
It is great to see men like you remaining constant in the fight and encouraging and leading others.
Tom Stewart
-USA