God’s New Breed Of Super-Sheep
(Part 3)
Rock of Offence Commentary
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This is Part 3 of a four-part Bible study.
Click on the link below to continue
with this study.
Part 1
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Part 2
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Part 4
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Wolves On Steroids
It was this very mechanism that set the stage for what history now records as “the Jonestown massacre”. It occurred when Reverend James Warren Jones, an American “Christian” pastor and preacher, got so off into Scriptural error that he (and his leadership team) carried out the murder (both forced and voluntary suicide) of his entire congregation - over 900 men, women and children. The tragedy occurred at a retreat camp in Guyana, South America known as “Jonestown”. It appears that no one within his congregation challenged his distorted Bible teaching before it got out of hand. Concerned about the lives of loved ones involved in the church, California Congressman Leo Ryan was urged to visit Jonestown to evaluate the situation. He was killed, along with several of his party, when he tried to leave early after sensing the danger. The mass suicides took place following Congressman Ryan’s shooting. This was “wolfism” on steroids. It is where the common saying, “don’t drink the kool-aid” came from. It occurred in 1978 and was an embarrassing and disastrous event for the worldwide Christian Church. In some ways, the Church has never recovered its credibility. Yet, here’s the truth about this story: The “Jonestown” church did not represent, in any way, Jesus Christ and His Church. It was a religious counterfeit that deceived over 900 people WHO THOUGHT THEY WERE FOLLOWING GOD. Their willing ignorance and blind faith in a false shepherd (wolf in sheep’s clothing) and his skewed Biblical doctrine cost them their lives and seriously damaged the credibility of the Gospel of Christ.
In this case, a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” scored a direct nuclear hit on the Church of Jesus Christ. Why? Our enemy knows the unbelieving world can’t discern the difference. It underscores how dangerous “high level wolves” can be. A simple low-level “laity wolf” in the congregation would find it nearly impossible to pull off something of this magnitude. Obviously, this is a unique and extreme example that many Christians try to forget (or live in denial of). It’s one reason both Jesus and Paul gave such strong warnings that most modern-day Christians continue to ignore. Ministers and other church leaders avoid talking about it because Reverend Jones was originally “one of them”. I would like to think, because of this horrible event - that most wolves will never be allowed to go this far today. Yet, there are some abusive churches, denominations and popular movements that continue to “creep” in that general direction. This is why those of us who are in some form of “counter-cult” watchman ministry are strongly motivated to do what we do. As we get closer to the end of the age, many things performed in the name of Christ and His Kingdom are actually counterfeit and do not come from Jesus Christ or our Heavenly Father.
In a growing number of churches, refusing to submit to a leader’s “spiritual authority” does not necessarily make one a wolf. In this situation it may not be “wolfism” in operation at all - it could be God’s Holy Spirit, who is trying to correct a disastrous situation. It may involve a leader (or an entire church leadership) who has gone astray - and the minister is using the considerable “power of the pulpit” to defend himself and his ministry. Also, contrary to popular teaching and opinion, God will use His people (church leaders like to call them “the laity”) to accomplish this task. The believers that challenged the false authority of the apostles in the Church at Ephesus is one example. We should note that Jesus commended the bold actions of these individual believers against an “out of control” apostolic leadership. We also need to remember that “apostolic authority” is one of the highest in the Christian Church, which is one reason the Lord Jesus may have used this example. Yet, some denominations make it a sin to challenge an “apostle”, who is commonly treated as the “infallible voice of God to the Church”.
To the church of Ephesus, Jesus said, “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are Apostles and are not, and found them to be liars ..." (Revelations 2:2)
Sometimes, the authority of a leader is questioned because it is derived from out-of-context Scripture and used to further a personal ministry building agenda that God did not approve. It usually results in preaching a distorted Biblical message, while appearing to represent truth from God’s Word. When the problem is properly discerned, a few outspoken truth-seeking Christians (it’s often only one or two ... but more is better) from the congregation start having reservations about the teachings and sermons. Any movement toward a resolution should always begin with a one-on-one dialogue with the church leader - and never through gossip and slander involving other members of the congregation.
(Note: For discussion purposes this example assumes that the objections are valid.)
Unfortunately, in some cases this kind dialogue is not viewed as “constructive”, but a threat - where the discussion deteriorates in an ever increasing downward spiral. I have personally witnessed this kind of dialogue resulting in wrecked lives and the destruction of whole families. In these emotional situations, the most common defense used by a church leader is to label the opposition as 'sowers of discord', wolves in sheep clothing, or disloyal Christians who are not “walking in love”. What causes this kind of response? The minister or leader is convinced his or her calling, authority and teaching is “Divinely approved” - and those who disagree are obviously challenging God’s authority (meaning theirs). This can be a very emotionally disturbing confrontation that rarely ends well. Many times this kind of response is a classic defense strategy used by leaders in abusive Christian movements, churches that preach a false Law-based gospel (Paul called it “a different gospel”) - and various religious cults. The strategy is used for two reasons:
FIRST:
For the casual observer, the leader's defense always seems to be based on Biblical truth. But, in this case - what is being perceived as truth is actually a misapplication of Scripture caused by ignoring or abusing the Bible's context.
SECOND:
It works against a majority of inexperienced Christians who fail to learn the tactics of spiritual warfare involved with 'wolfism'.
In the military and especially during times of war, spies are always active on both sides. We call this practice “espionage”, where one side tries to learn secrets from the other that gives them a tactical advantage. In this area of warfare, we quickly get into “spies that spy on other spies”, double agents and other forms of nested “counter-espionage” mechanisms. All of this gets very confusing for the average person. Yet, many times, a spiritual version of this practice operates within various Christian organizations. When stealth “high-level wolves” start warning us about the other “wolves” in the congregation who question their teaching, we need to be alert and cautious. It is certainly correct to consider that the pastor may be on the right side of the argument, simply because of his experience and position. But, sometimes things are not always the way they appear, especially when “the power of the pulpit” is used and a personal ministry is threatened. You can never assume that the person behind the pulpit is always right because they claim to teach the Bible out of a love and concern for their congregation. Their love and concern may be legitimate. Yet, these wonderful attributes never guarantee that Biblical truth is being presented. Making this assumption is comforting to most of us, but it can also be spiritually dangerous. There are always hidden political (denominational) influences, personal ministry ambitions and financial issues at work behind the scenes, which can compromise the teachings of God’s Word.
Unfortunately, it is true that some individuals from the congregation can operate as real “wolves in sheep clothing” and cause havoc, while attempting to undermine a good pastor or minister. This is an ongoing problem that all church leaders face at some point in their ministry. These people must be firmly dealt with - as one pastor explained.
Yet, both Jesus and Paul warned
that it was the 'high level
wolves' cloaked in a church
leadership position and claiming
to possess “Divine authority”
that pose the greater threat.
Why?
Their interpretations and Bible
teaching based on out-of-context
Scripture carry all sorts of
unintended consequences that
lead believers astray in their
faith.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9)
Two Red Flags
Some readers ask; “There has to be some
outward signs that can warn new believers
about this danger.”
Unfortunately, trying to give the reader this kind of information is like trying to tell someone how to identify well made counterfeit money in 500 words or less. In the end, there’s really only one defense. First, you have to pay close attention to warning given by Saint Paul in the New Testament ... that there are two representations of 'Jesus' found within its pages.
FIRST
There is the authentic Jesus and
His Grace-based New Covenant
Gospel.
SECOND
There is a counterfeit Jesus and
his “look-alike” Law-based gospel
that some theologians refer to as
'Galatian Religion'.
Both of these representations are discussed in the Bible. This is why the reader must get to know the real Jesus so well that you immediately recognize the counterfeit when he shows up, no matter how good and righteous it's presented. If it were easy, then Jesus, John the Baptist, Paul and Peter wasted their time and energy in providing a warning. Remember that Paul warned the Church, night and day, in tears, over these things. We should never make the mistake of thinking that Paul was just being “too emotional”. Paul was 'crying real tears' out of concern and anguish for the believer’s spiritual well being ... because he understood the danger.
We can provide two major warning flags. Remember that these are only “warning flags”. They are not to be used impulsively against any pastor or church leader who might seem to "fit the mold". The flags are only meant to warn that a closer evaluation of the ministry in question may be needed. Being a member of a Bible-believing church with a kind-hearted and loving pastor is enough to go on in these cases. The flags will manifest in various different ways because high-level wolves are educated and skilled in the art of persuasive speech. They evaluate their audience and always know how to “modify the message” in order to get the right response.
WARNING FLAG #1:
Pay close attention to how spiritual
authority is used in the ministry.
High-level wolves and other church leaders who use improper spiritual authority always attempt to gain a dominant influence over your life, resources and finances. They claim to need this authority in order to bring about your full Christian maturity. It is often suggested that - if you don’t submit to their authority, you will never realize God’s perfect will for your life. In extreme cases, some leaders claim that you could lose your salvation if you don’t submit to them - and resisting their authority is the same as resisting God’s authority. They tend to view God's flock as their own personal possession, where they are the "chief shepherd" and lord. Yet, this is an Old Testament model of “shepherding” that existed before the cross - and denies the authority of the indwelling Spirit of Christ that now operates after the cross (under the New Covenant). In this popular Old Testament model, Jesus is subtly dethroned as Lord and reduced to little more than a figurehead. As a result, your obedience and submission to a natural human under-shepherd becomes the proof that Jesus is really Lord of your life.
Yet, the Bible commands that Biblical shepherds operating after the cross must "lead by example" and allow the indwelling "Spirit of Christ" to rule as Lord over the the believer's life.
While appearing to be godly on the surface, the popular Old Testament model of shepherding is a perversion of the New Covenant authority of Christ after the cross. This is why Peter specifically used the words, “….neither as being lords over God’s heritage” - when he warns shepherds not to use this "lording-over" authority (1 Peter 5:2-3). The shepherds who use improper authority and follow the Old Testament model believe that allowing the indwelling Spirit of Christ to hold the highest level of authority in a believer’s life is far too “subjective”. They claim that it gives too much control to the individual believer and interferes with a leader’s personal agenda to mold such a person the way they want. Yet, the Bible teaches that it's the Holy Spirit's job - not the shepherd's job - to mold the believer and conform them to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-30). Allowing the Spirit of Christ to have Lordship control in a believer's life can restrict or even stop a leader's self-serving kingdom-building agenda, which is often contrary to what the Lord Jesus Christ wants to do with his congregation. We must remember that ultimately Jesus is Lord and Head of His Church - not a pastor, minister, apostle, priest, Bishop or Pope. The various motivations and influences that cause a church leader (shepherd) to practice improper and abusive authority - are the same spiritual forces that create "high-level wolves". In situations such as this, these authoritarian leaders always end up usurping the indwelling Lordship authority of Christ in a believer’s life. As a result, this Divine authority that belongs only to Jesus Christ - is illegally diverted to the shepherd. Once again, this practice appears to be based on the authority of Scripture and always practiced for the spiritual well being of God's flock. Yet, the Scripture used to defend this perverted theology is subtly and skillfully lifted from its Divine context in the Bible, which easily goes unnoticed by the average church member.
Scriptures like Hebrews 13:17 will almost always be used to defend improper spiritual authority.
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (KJV)
When we hear this Scripture (and a few others like it) quoted to promote a church leader’s office or position, we must immediately ask the following question:
Are they using the kind of authority
that Jesus permits His shepherds
to excercise?
This question is important because Christians are under no obligation to obey improper and abusive spiritual authority that illegally usurps the Lordship of Christ. Hebrews 13:17 - which states that believers should “obey those that have the rule over you” - assumes that these 'ruling leaders' are using the kind of authority approved of by Christ. Yet, the majority of ecclesiastical authority in the worldwide Christian Church fails this test. Also, a close examination of the context of this verse reveals that it is directed at a specific group of people and used for a specific reason. It is not some sort of “universal mandate” that compels the Christian believer to obey just any leader, regardless of their message, doctrine or belief. Proper discernment involving the kind of authority and doctrine being used by any 'ruling church leadership' must always accompany Hebrews 13:17.
The following commentary exposes abusive spiritual authority in a popular "cult-like" global church movement. Lawrence Pile writes as a professional counselor from Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center. Several years ago, he wrote this comprehensive analysis of the abuses found in the Discipleship and Shepherding movement. He counsels people who were emotionally harmed by these practices and speaks from experience. Having been in the same movement, I can confirm that what he describes is factual and accurate. This commentary provides the reader with more insight into the insidious way this 'discipleship and shepherding theology' operates within some denominations, churches, ministries and movements - as a false expression of "God's authority".
The Other Side Of Discipleship
Why do we include this information in our study? Most groups that abuse spiritual authority or exhibit certain levels of cultic behavior - practice similar methods of Bible interpretation. These methods always involve removing Scriptures and verses from their intended context, which misleads whole congregations into thinking that God says something ... that He does not actually say. We believe this material helps to expose certain characteristics commonly found in many churches. Spiritual authority abuse is currently at an epidemic stage within the Church. Yet, Jesus warned His disciples about using improper authority when He said;
"It shall not be so among you."
(Mark 10:41-45)
WARNING FLAG #2:
Is one of the many variations of
the “Galatian religion or the
Galatian Error” being taught in
your church?
The Bible is divided into two sections called the Old Testament and the New Testament. Christians are often taught to view and interpret the Bible as “one book” with only “one message”. Yet, the Bible itself warns that this method of interpretation is incorrect - and teaches instead that it is a “divided book”. The Bible is generally divided into two major covenants known as Israel’s “Mosaic Covenant of the Law” and “Christ’s New Covenant”. These covenants are radically different and can never be merged or mixed together. The apostle Paul warned his disciple Timothy, that if he wanted to properly teach the truth, he had to “rightly (or correctly) divide God’s Word” (2 Timothy 2:15).
The "Galatian error" is a difficult-to-detect false theology that was responsible for deceiving the entire Galatian church of the first century. It upset the apostle Paul so much that he wrote an entire epistle to address the danger. Unfortunately, it continued to spread to all the churches despite his efforts. This false theology is presented as fundamental Bible teaching that fails to respect the rules of context that God placed within His Word. Both Catholic and Protestant denominations teach principles of the Galatian error as foundational doctrine today. Yet, nearly all Christian leaders will deny that their ministry is affected or involved. It is so dangerous that most young or inexperienced Christian believers would fail to see the difference between the Galatian error and authentic New Testament Bible teaching. Since learning about this practice, it is shocking to see how much of the modern church is dominated by this doctrine. Paul wrote his epistle to the Galatians with the following rebuke that gives us a glimpse into the problem:
"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the Grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-9)
On down in that same chapter Paul states,
"For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the Chruch of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it." (Galatians 1:13)
"O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:1-2)
The Old Covenant contains the rules and principles of Judaism, which is the ancient religion of Israel. That means nearly 75 per cent of our Bible provides detailed instructions for every area of life under this Jewish religion. Judaism is outlined in a large body of Scripture that runs from the book of Genesis all the way into the New Testament book of Acts. Paul made an important statment that most readers miss - that while he was serving Judaism, he persecuted the Church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. Did you catch that? Do you wonder why he made this statement? In Acts chapter 22, Paul gives a brief history of his life. He was trained at the feet of Gamaliel, one of the highest ranking and most respected Pharisee within Judaism at that time. He went on to tell us how he was "zealous toward God" and "persecuted this Way (Christ's New Covenant Church) to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women." In other words, Christian believers were put to death at Paul's command. Yet, he wasn't persecuting Christians to satisfy some kind of personal bias or perverted emotional need. His actions did not violate the laws existing at that time. Saul (who later became Paul) was a religious zealot who took his faith so serious that he conducted his campaign of terror as a Pharisee to satisfy the principles of his religion (Judaism). It was the same religious fervor that motivated the Pharisees, years earlier, to publicly execute Christ as a criminal. Paul was so good at performing his task that he was given special papers and authorization from the Jewish leadership to make his actions "legal and official". If the title "Mr. Judaism" could be applied to anyone, it would be Saul.
Now, here's the amazing part. Jesus looked down from heaven and said, "I choose this man to be the chief apostle to oversee My Church". One day, on the road to Damascus, Jesus revealed Himself to Paul, effectively destroying everything in which he had placed his faith. In an instant, Paul's whole life came crashing down in a heap of rubble as this "Pharisee of Pharisees" confessed Jesus as Lord. Paul reveals that after his conversion believers started to talk and say...
"He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy. And they glorified God in me." (Galatians 1:23-24)
Why are we providing this background on Paul? Because when you understand where he came from and why he did what he did, you will understand why the Galatian error also expressed as meritorious salvation (a conditional salvation achieved through merit, works and behavior) is so dangerous.
Few Christians understand that the religion of Judaism, by its very nature, is contrary and viciously opposed to the principles that Christ's Church is built upon. Why? The Church is established on the unmerited (freely given) favor of God's Grace where salvation is an unmerited gift. But, Judaism is based on achieving God's favor (salvation) through obedience to its Laws and Commandments. These two systems of belief can never be mixed for that reason. Jesus Christ our Lord established a New Covenant based on the Grace of God at His crucifixion. As a result, the Church that Jesus Christ is building is based on the principles of Grace, which will always run contrary to the Law-based religion of Judaism. This is why Paul rebuked the Galatian Church when he said, "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the Grace of Christ, to a different gospel ..." His words give us an important clue to the nature of the false theology that dominates and threatens the church today.
Believers are currently governed by the principles of Christ's New Covenant - and not the Old Testament program of Judaism. It’s actually very easy to understand. When Jesus uses the word “new” to describe His covenant (the spiritual government of the Church He is building), He means that it’s something entirely new ... and that it replaces something that previously existed. Contrary to many church teachings, 'new' does not mean an extension or continuation of the old. The book of Hebrews puts it this way:
"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He (Jeus) consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:19-23)
When most of us read a newspaper, magazine or any other book, this principle involving "newness and change" would be automatically understood, almost without any special thought or effort. However, when we add false religious tradition and denominational thinking into our study of the Bible, we can easily get off into skewed and twisted interpretations that convince us that we have the truth - when, in reality, our conclusions are wrong. In his Epistles to the Church, Saint Paul warns us about a major problem. A respected group of Jewish evangelists entered a church he established and proceeded to teach the new inexperienced believers to put their faith in “another Jesus and a different gospel”. This was a false gospel that mixed the tenants of Old Testament Judaism - with the New Testament Grace of Christ ... and exists in the same format today. We previously mentioned this problem and repeat it in other commentaries and studies on our website. Some Bible scholars refer to this different gospel as “the Galatian Error” because the Galatian Church was the first congregation to be totally seduced by this counterfeit teaching. Paul spent considerable time addressing this toxic brand of theology that quickly spread like a virus throughout the newly established Christian Church of the first century. Some preachers of this error taught that Christ's New Covenant is just an extension of the Old Testament, which is not only false by very misleading. Others tend to call it “preaching the whole Word of God” or “Biblical Christianity”. All of these persuasive tactics and misleading labels can take advantage of a congregation’s ignorance of Scriptural context.
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This is Part 3 of a four-part Bible study.
Click on the link below to continue
with this study.
Part 1
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Part 2
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Part 4
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