Showing posts with label Sexual Sin in the Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sexual Sin in the Church. Show all posts

Sunday, July 13, 2025

The Unveiling of Corruption: Examining the Allegations Against Prophet Brian Carn

 


By Shofarsound/Endtimeshofar


The scriptures, particularly Matthew 24, warn of pervasive deception in the last days, where false prophets will rise and "deceive many." This prophetic caution is crucial for believers to discern truth from falsehood, especially when examining those in positions of spiritual authority. Just as 2 Peter 2:1-3 highlights how false teachers, "through covetousness," exploit Christians with "feigned words," so too does the fruit of a minister's life reveal the true nature of their spirit. When manipulation, intimidation, domination, arrogance, and pride become evident, or when the focus shifts from Christ to personal gain and material things, a "false prophet" is revealed by "Biblical standards". Such spiritual deception and potential exploitation find a disturbing parallel in the recent allegations against Prophet Brian Carn.

The Contradiction of Alleged Conduct and Prophetic Claims

 

Prophet Brian Carn, born September 11, 1989, in Jacksonville, Florida, is widely recognized as an international prophetic voice, author, and minister (About the Prophet - Brian Carn Ministries, 2025). His ministry often emphasizes prophetic accuracy, humility, and passion, with numerous testimonies of physical and mental healing, financial breakthroughs, and supernatural provision attributed to his work (About the Prophet - Brian Carn Ministries, 2025). He states he received salvation at the age of eight and by twelve was conducting revivals, even undertaking an 88-day prayer and fast (Brian Carn - Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays, n.d.). During this period, he notably attended a Benny Hinn crusade where Hinn prophesied a "double" anointing and mantle upon him, a moment that "further confirmed and catalyzed his fire for the Kingdom of God" (Momentum Sunday - World Harvest Church, 2025). Despite these proclaimed spiritual foundations and public endorsements from figures like Benny Hinn and Rod Parsley (KNCBTM, 2015), recent allegations cast a long shadow over the authenticity of his "fruit."

The Bible clearly instructs that "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16). When a minister's actions contradict their proclaimed anointing and teachings, their true nature is revealed. Prophet Brian Carn has faced serious accusations of sexual misconduct.  In 2018, a former ministry worker, Pierre Whitlow, posted a video alleging that Carn had an affair with his wife, Keisha, who was presented as Carn's "victim" (Leonardo Blair, 2018). Keisha Whitlow stated she was "manipulated in a very low time" by a man they "trusted," who had even baptized her (Leonardo Blair, 2018). Such behavior is a profound "violation of a man of God's duties".

 

“The Web of Deception: Multiple Accusations and "Church Conditioning"

 

The allegations against Prophet Brian Carn have only grown. In June 2025, Vashti Ennis, who claimed to be Carn's "longtime girlfriend" for ten years, made a public Facebook post accusing him of "cheating, deception, and spiritual, emotional, and psychological manipulation" (Pallavi Kanungo, 2025). Ennis stated that Carn declared her his wife while engaging in a "double lifestyle" and manipulating "other women under the guise of ministry" (Pallavi Kanungo, 2025). She believed she was his "wife-in-waiting" but became "stuck in a toxic cycle of church culture cover-ups, sexual compromise, and psychological warfare" (Gerald Jackson, 2025). Ennis explicitly blamed "church conditioning" for keeping her "in bondage," alleging that members are "taught not to question pastors" and to "ignore abuse in the name of spiritual covering" (Gerald Jackson, 2025). This aligns with the biblical warning in Hosea 4:6 that "the lack of knowledge destroys people", and the danger when a pastor becomes an "accomplice to these spiritual crimes" by giving a platform to those who deceive.

Further compounding these issues, a second woman, Mya Love, came forward shortly after Ennis's accusations, detailing her own "traumatic experience" with Carn in 2020 while attending his Kingdom City Church (KCC) (Gerald Jackson, 2025). Mya Love explicitly stated, "YOU DIDN'T PASTOR ME—YOU PREY ON ME" (Gerald Jackson, 2025). She claimed that "multiple women have reached out to her with similar stories," accusing Carn of similar activities, lamenting that "women are still being taken advantage of in the name of God" (Gerald Jackson, 2025). These consistent allegations from multiple women, spanning years, strongly suggest a "pattern of infidelity and manipulating other women" (Pallavi Kanungo, 2025). Such "unrighteous fruit" undeniably points to a failure to "guard the sheep against the wolves who are spiritually devouring the members of the local Church".

 

The Implications of Unaccountability and "Roaring Lions"

 

The absence of accountability within certain ministerial circles allows false prophets to persist in their destructive patterns, reminiscent of Ezekiel 22:25-28, where prophets "divining lies" are akin to "roaring lions ravening the prey," devouring souls and taking "treasure and precious things". While the recent allegations against Carn focus on sexual misconduct, it is essential to remember that "false prophets and false teachers exploit Christians to gain monetary benefits through lies and deception". Indeed, Carn was also implicated in a lawsuit with fellow "prophet" Kofi Danso in 2017, in which a business aircraft leasing company alleged that the two preachers owed over $716,000 in rent for a private jet they had leased in 2015 (Leonardo Blair, 2018). This demonstrates a pattern of conduct that prioritizes material interests over spiritual integrity, further emphasizing that "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10).

 

The response from Brian Carn to the recent allegations by Vashti Ennis and Mya Love has been a sermon where he stated he would "try to pursue it, try to make amends, try to get things right, own it, take responsibility, but don't wallow in it" (Pallavi Kanungo, 2025). He also "reposted messages from supporters on social media" (Pallavi Kanungo, 2025). However, for true spiritual health, "Believers should know... that God allows us, through His Word, to test the spirits and test everything because of the false prophets who are out to deceive people". The "lack of spiritual discernment makes a person believe that the wolf in sheep's clothing is an actual Man or Woman of God".

 

How Would Early Christian Writings define Brian Carn as a False Prophet?

As we review Brian Carn's prophesies, money and material gain are a primary focus in a Church service. His illicit adulterous relationship with Pierre Whitlow's wife, Keisha Whitlow, and his practice of fornication with illicit relationships with Vashti Ennis and Mya Love, among many other women, with whom he has allegedly had relationships, it seems that Carn spellbound these women to get them in bed with him. Let’s examine how some Early Church writings on identifying false prophets will assess Brian Carn’s behavior and character, and how they align not only biblically with the characteristics of a false prophet but also within Early Church writings. Let’s examine:

Carn Prophesies for Money:

        "Hear now," said he, "concerning the earthly and vain spirit, which has no power but is foolish. In the first place, that man who seems to have a spirit exalts himself, and desires to have a chief place, and straight-way he is impudent and shameless and talkative and conversant in many luxuries and in many other deceits and receives money for his prophesying, and if he receives not, he prophesies not. Now can a divine Spirit receive money and prophesy It is not possible for a prophet of God to do this, but the spirit of such prophets is earthly.

        In the next place, it never approaches an assembly of righteous men; but avoids them, and cleaves to the doubtful-minded and empty, and prophesies to them in corners, and deceives them, speaking all things in emptiness to gratify their desires; for they too are empty whom it answers. For the empty vessel placed together with the empty is not broken, but they agree one with the other.

        But when he comes into an assembly full of righteous men who have a Spirit of deity, and intercession is made from them, that man is emptied, and the earthly spirit flees from him in fear, and that man is struck dumb and is altogether broken in pieces, being unable to utter a word. Thus also the empty prophets, whenever they come unto the spirits of righteous men, are found just such as they came. I have given you the life of both kinds of prophets. Therefore test, by his life and his works, the man who says that he is moved by the Spirit." (Hermas (A.D. 150) Ante-Nicene Fathers vol.2 pg.27.)

 Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there's a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him. Didache (A.D. 80-140) CH. 11

Carn’s sexually immoral relationships with women, and their falling under his spell of seduction by sleeping with him, the story of Marcus Early Church False Prophet similar to Brian Carn:

 

3. It appears probable enough that this man(Marcus) possesses a demon as his familiar spirit, by means of whom he seems able to prophesy, and also enables as many as he counts worthy to be partakers of his Charis themselves to prophesy. He devotes himself especially to women, and those such as are well-bred, and elegantly attired, and of great wealth, whom he frequently seeks to draw after him, by addressing them in such seductive words as these: I am eager to make you a partaker of my Charis, since the Father of all does continually behold your angel before His face. Now the place of your angel is among us: it behooves us to become one. Receive first from me and by me [the gift of] Charis. Adorn yourself as a bride who is expecting her bridegroom, that you may be what I am, and I what you are. Establish the germ of light in your nuptial chamber. Receive from me a spouse, and become receptive of him, while you are received by him. Behold Charis has descended upon you; open your mouth and prophesy. On the woman replying, I have never at any time prophesied, nor do I know how to prophesy; then engaging, for the second time, in certain invocations, so as to astound his deluded victim, he says to her, Open your mouth, speak whatsoever occurs to you, and you shall prophesy. She then, vainly puffed up and elated by these words, and greatly excited in soul by the expectation that it is herself who is to prophesy, her heart beating violently [from emotion], reaches the requisite pitch of audacity, and idly as well as impudently utters some nonsense as it happens to occur to her, such as might be expected from one heated by an empty spirit. (Referring to this, one superior to me has observed, that the soul is both audacious and impudent when heated with empty air.) Henceforth she reckons herself a prophetess, and expresses her thanks to Marcus for having imparted to her of his own Charis. She then makes the effort to reward him, not only by the gift of her possessions (in which way he has collected a very large fortune), but also by yielding up to him her person, desiring in every way to be united to him, that she may become altogether one with him.

 

4. But already some of the most faithful women, possessed of the fear of God, and not being deceived (whom, nevertheless, he did his best to seduce like the rest by bidding them prophesy), abhorring and execrating him, have withdrawn from such a vile company of revellers. This they have done, as being well aware that the gift of prophecy is not conferred on men by Marcus, the magician, but that only those to whom God sends His grace from above possess the divinely-bestowed power of prophesying; and then they speak where and when God pleases, and not when Marcus orders them to do so. For that which commands is greater and of higher authority than that which is commanded, inasmuch as the former rules, while the latter is in a state of subjection. If, then, Marcus, or any one else, does command — as these are accustomed continually at their feasts to

play at drawing lots, and [in accordance with the lot] to command one another to prophesy, giving forth as oracles what is in harmony with their own desires — it will follow that he who commands is greater and of higher authority than the prophetic spirit, though he is but a man, which is impossible. But such spirits as are commanded by these men, and speak when they desire it, are earthly and weak, audacious and impudent, sent forth by Satan for the seduction and perdition of those who do not hold fast that well-compacted faith which they received at first through the Church.

 

5. Moreover, that this Marcus compounds philters and love-potions, in order to insult the persons of some of these women, if not of all, those of them who have returned to the Church of God— a thing which frequently occurs — have acknowledged, confessing, too, that they have been defiled by him, and that they were filled with a burning passion towards him. A sad example of this occurred in the case of a certain Asiatic, one of our deacons, who had received him (Marcus) into his house. His wife, a woman of remarkable beauty, fell a victim both in mind and body to this magician, and, for a long time, travelled about with him. At last, when, with no small difficulty, the brethren had converted her, she spent her whole time in the exercise of public confession, weeping over and lamenting the defilement which she had received from this magician. Against Heresies (Book I, Chapter 13:3-5) by Irenaeus of Lyons, 180 AD

 

 

 

Conclusion: A Call for Discernment and Biblical Standards

 

The grave accusations against Prophet Brian Carn, ranging from infidelity and manipulation to alleged sexual misconduct, serve as a stark reminder for the Church to adhere to biblical standards of discernment. The "fruit" manifested in his alleged personal conduct stands in direct contradiction to the "prophetic accuracy, humility and passion" proclaimed by his ministry (About the Prophet - Brian Carn Ministries, 2025). The consistent pattern of "lies and false hope," "sexual compromise," and "psychological warfare" described by his accusers, particularly the concept of "church conditioning" that silences victims (Gerald Jackson, 2025), underscores the urgent need for believers to be "sober, be vigilant" (1 Peter 5:8).

 

In these challenging times, when "false Christs, and false prophets... shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matthew 24:24), the spiritual well-being of the flock depends on rigorous adherence to the "Truth of The Word of God". The alleged actions of Prophet Brian Carn demand that the Church "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1) and recognize that true ministry is characterized by "the Fruit of the Spirit" rather than by "manipulation, intimidation, domination, arrogance, and pride". It is imperative to expose "darkness and lies" and ensure that leaders are held accountable to the unadulterated Word of God, not to "feigned words" or a self-serving agenda.

Bibliography

about the prophet - Brian Carn Ministries. (2025). https://briancarn.com/about/

Brian Carn - Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays. (n.d.). https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/brian-carn.html

Brian Carn biography: net worth, parents, wife, prophecies. (2021). https://www.tuko.co.ke/426234-brian-carn-biography-net-worth-parents-wife-prophecies.html

Judge Rules Self-Styled Prophet, Brian Carn’s Business Partner ... (2018). https://www.christianpost.com/news/judge-rules-self-styled-prophet-brian-carns-business-partner-cant-keep-identity-secret-paternity-suit.html

Momentum Sunday - World Harvest Church. (2025). https://whc.life/pages/129-momentum-sunday

Prophet Brian Carn - CAP 2015 - Sched. (2025). https://cap2015a.sched.com/speaker/prophetbriancarn

Prophet Brian Carn Accused Again: 2nd Woman Comes Forward. (2025). https://thencbeat.com/prophet-brian-carn-second-woman-speaks-out/

Prophet Brian Carn Age Televangelist and Singer - KNCB.org. (2015). https://kncb.org/prophet-brian-carn/

Prophet Brian Carn’s Girlfriend Exposes Him On Facebook. (2025). https://thencbeat.com/prophet-brian-carn-girlfriend-exposes-relationship/

What is the scandal surrounding Brian Carn? Vashti Ennis ... (2025). https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/podcasts/what-scandal-surrounding-brian-carn-vashti-ennis-controversy-explained-wake-allegations-podcast-host

(Hermas (A.D. 150) Ante-Nicene Fathers vol.2 pg.27.)

Didache (A.D. 80-140) CH. 11

Against Heresies (Book I, Chapter 13:3-5) by Irenaeus of Lyons, 180 AD

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Biblical View on Fornication and End-Times



The Old Testament viewed premarital sex as a capital offense against one’s future spouse. This was unlike the Gentile nations that condoned premarital sex. The Greek word for fornication is porneuo, which means to act like a harlot, indulge in unlawful lust of either sex, or practice idolatry – fornication. Fornication is idolatry, because that person you sleep with isn't your spouse.  You’re bowing down to get in the bed with your idol instead of obeying the Word of God.   It is idolatry when an individual places a person they’re consistently fornicating with over the Word.  First Samuel 15:23 states, “stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”

That person you’re sleeping with is an idol in your heart and it is evident that the Holy Spirit doesn't reign supreme in your life. Every time that person calls you jump up and run to him/her.  The next thing you know, you’re in the sack.   The Holy Spirit calls out to you in order to lead and guide you into all truth.  That person means no good for your spirituality.  Instead of listening, you turn a deaf ear to the voice of Godly wisdom.


First Corinthians 6:18-20 says, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”   Our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. When you fornicate you desecrate your temple.  You sin against your own body. If you continue in the sin of fornication you will die.  Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death.  You may eventually earn a sexually transmitted disease that attacks your physical body.


Fornication Destroys the Soul


Sexual sins destroys the soul (Proverbs 6:32). The Greek word for soul is called psuche, which derives psychology study of the soul. Your soul is made up of the intellect, will, memory, emotions, and imagination. First example your involve in fornication, Your intellect or reasoning will tell you that you’re in love with him or her so its OK to have sex before marriage.  You essentially rely on your own understanding instead of the Word of God.  Secondly, after you intellectualize being in a sexual relationship your will is given unto your carnal desires. Thirdly, you will have memories of the good and bad things of the illicit relationship. Why do you think someone can be in the act of intercourse with one person and call out another person’s name? It is because the soul connection of the memory is still there.  The person is comparing their present sexual experience with a former.  The fourth example is the emotions.  You develop the emotion of bitterness.  Because of your memory, you remember all the bad relationships you had in the past.  A person develops bitterness and emotional detachment. So when man or woman of God comes to you, your’re damage goods from all the bad relationships you had in the past.  You’re unable to make that godly connection. Lastly is the imagination.  The enemy uses the imagination to keep sexual perverse thoughts in your head and to prevent you from being obedient to the will of God.


Fornication is a End-Time Sign and will Escalate

Revelation 9:20-21

King James Version (KJV)
20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

“Pastor Ronald Harris Sr. Joins The Hall Shame of Preachers Gone Wild!"


Pastor Ronald Harris Sr. was killed for allegedly sleeping with another man wife
                             



The people of God have had to endure “preachers gone wild” since biblical times.  When Eli was the Judge and High Priest over Israel, his sons Hophni and Phinehas were sleeping with women at the temple and running wild in lust and perverse behavior (1 Samuel 2:22-25) . They were unrestrained in their behavior, and saw no need to repent of their physical and spiritual adulterous behavior. This resulted in the judgment of God (1Samuel 3:11-14).

Even now in the 21st century in the church, we have some “preachers gone wild.”  They are generally driven by the lust for fame, sex, and money. Unfortunately, today in the church world integrity, morality, humility, and anointing take a back seat to showmanship, talent, pride, and those who can draw big crowds and money.  They look to be “Sunday’s best” by being the hottest preacher or singer instead of living holy every day of the week and presenting their bodies to be living sacrifices, holy and acceptable unto God which is their reasonable service (Romans12:1).
In the last couple of years there have been scandals of pastors caught in immorality. Why is this? The American church has been caught in the trap of pursuing the most popular, crowd-commanding preacher to put it on the map instead of  praying and seeking the face of God to see if the Holy Spirit has endorsed the preacher or not (Acts 13:1-3).  For the most part it seems like churches are not trying to build the kingdom of God through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, but through devilish sensual earthly wisdom (James 3:15).
These scandals of immorality on the pulpit range from adulterous affairs, to sexual assaults against female members, even murder. Believe me, the Catholic Church is not the only church that has its sex scandals of molestation.  Pentecostal and Charismatic( among other Christian denominations) circles have been touched heavily by sexual immorality also.
Hall of Shame for Preachers Gone Wild!!!

Pastor Ronald Harris Sr.


Pastor Tracy Bernard Burleson


In 2010, like something written out of a soap opera, Houston pastor Tracy Bernard Burleson of the First New Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas was accused of killing his wife.Police state that Burleson paid his 20 year old stepson, William Darnnell Fuller, to kill his stepmother Pauletta Ross Burleson. Mrs. Burleson was found dead from a single gunshot that pierced her head and neck. Along with the arrest of Pastor Burleson and William Fuller, a third person, Tyonne Marie Palmer-Pollard, was arrested for tampering with evidence. Palmer-Pollard was having an affair with both Pastor Burleson and William Fuller at the same time. Also to note, before being murdered, Mrs. Burleson was aware of the multiple affairs her husband had with other women. Burleson is now serving life in prison.


Terry Hornbuckle




On August 28, 2006 Terry Hornbuckle, pastor of the mega-church Agape Christian Fellowship Church in Arlington, Texas was con­victed of raping and drugging three women.  Two of these women were members of Hornbuckle church. Not only was it found that Hornbuckle was a rapist, but that he also smoked meth. He even smoked meth with one of his victims, drugged her then raped her! He ended up receiving a fifteen year prison sentence. Hornbuckle before being exposed publicly received counseling privately from several ministers in the area. One of the ministers was Pastor Sherman Allen of Shiloh Institutional Church of God in Christ in Fort Worth, TX.   It can be said that Allens’ counseling Hornbuckle was a bad idea.  Allen has been accused of assaulting women and sexually abusing them. How can somebody that has same perverse spirit lead someone else to deliverance? This is hypocrisy and an abomination before the eye’s of the Lord!  Thirty five women accused Allen of beating them with a pad­dle.  Some even said that this paddling turned into sexual abuse.  The presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Bishop Charles Blake, suspended Allen because of this.  However, despite being suspended by Bishop Blake, Allen has continued to pastor his church and has changed the name of the church to Shiloh Institutional Church and has dropped the “Church of God in Christ” at the end. 
Allegations of abuse go all the way back to 1983 for Allen. Lawsuits have been filed against him with criminal charges pending.  Yet, he continues to pastor like nothing ever happened and is still unaccountable to leadership.  Its business as usual with his church and some of the big name preachers still run to his conferences despite his “major character flaws and issues.” 

Sergio Alvarizares



In Portland Oregon, October 2007, police arrested Pastor Sergio Alvarizares for allegedly sexually abusing eight women in his congregation  Alvarizares was held on one account of rape in the first degree, two accounts of attempted rape in the first degree, and ten accounts of sex abuse in the first degree. He was later sentence to three years of prison in June 2008, after pleading guilty to attempted rape and third degree sexual abuse of sexually assaulting five women.



Anthony Hopkins


The next preacher to commit heinous acts of sexual immorality and murder is Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins a traveling evangelist (some had consider him a prophet) from Alabama.  He was arrested by police during a revival at Inspirational Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Jackson, Alabama for the murder of his wife. Anthony Hopkins killed his wife after she caught him having sex with a teenage relative in 2004. He eventually stuffed his wife’s body in a freezer.  It wasn’t until 2008 that his step-daughter led the police to her mother’s body. On May 21, 2010 Hopkins was sentence to life in prison , he was convicted for murder, sodomy, and sexual abuse.



Paul Cain and Ted Haggard

Paul Cain

Male church leaders not only get caught up with women, but with sleeping with other men. In 2006 Ted Haggard, the pastor of New Life Church, a mega church in Colorado Springs(Haggard did repent), Colorado was ex­posed when he was caught having an affair with a male prostitute. Paul Cain, a noted Prophet, was exposed in 2004 engaging in long-term homosexual activity.
These problems are prevalent because of the lack of accountability, discernment, spiritual fatherhood and mentoring, and lack of correc­tion. Pride, arrogance, prayerlessness, the love of money and the lack of a repentant heart is causing preachers to go wild in sin.
No one can take glory for somebody falling into sin.  We are one body in Christ.  Therefore, when a leader blatantly sins against God it affects the whole body, brings a reproach, and profanes the name of the Lord.  As saints of God we must strive to be a positive witness so that our light might shine in a dark world.
Let us keep this in mind: if we have not fallen, it is only by the grace of God.  Through humility He gives us the grace to live a victorious lifestyle in Him (James 4:6-7).  Preachers let us take our eyes off popularity and fame, and keep them on Jesus Christ who is able to keep us from falling (Jude 24).
Remember, His grace is sufficient to keep us saved, and not go wild! 







        

Thursday, March 7, 2013

The Image of Jealousy(Sexual Sin is Idolatry)

Multiple Breast Goddess Idol

In today's times, the Church really needs to examine what may provoke G-d to jealousy. Exodus 20:5 says, "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them, for I am a jealous G-d, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third, and fourth generation of them that hate me." Looking at Ezekiel 8:3, it states, "And he put forth the form of a hand, and took me by lock of my hair; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate, that looketh toward the north; where was the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy." The notes from NIV(New International Version) Study Bible for that verse states that the idol that was in the temple was statue of the Canaanite fertility goddess Asherah(Astaroth).


Who is Asherah? 

    Goddess Asherah

Asherah is an idol goddess that was worshiped by the Canaanite people. This goddess is known as Venus by the Romans, Diana Greco-Romans, Artemis Greeks, Isis by the Egyptians, and Ishtar by both the Assyrians and Babylonians. Asherah's name means lasciviousness, lust, and seduction. This goddess represents sexual perversion, along with the male idol counterpart Baal. 

Sexual acts were conducted during the worship of Asherah, abominable acts of multiple sex partners, sodomy(homosexual activity), and sex with temple prostitutes, women dressing like men and men dressing like women(transvestites), and pornography. The idol of Asherah had sexually perverted overtones, showing multiple breasts. Asherah places of worship had groves, which were altars of worship of mostly sexual perversion and were also called the high places. Asherah was the worship of sexually perverse demons.

Judah in Ezekiel 8:1-18 was guilty of setting up an idol of Asherah in the temple of G-d, and was thought that they were practicing these acts in secret, where G-d did not see them. Ezekiel 8:12 says, "Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery?  For they say, the Lord seeth us not; Lord hath forsaken the earth."


21st Century Church and Worship of Asherah 



The church of the 21st century has fallen into the worship of Asherah in an indirect way. Statistics show 80% of Christians are dealing with sexual sins(source/source). A survey of lay leaders and pastors conducted by Leadership Magazine revealed that 62% have viewed pornography. New Man magazine states that 1 out of 10 men attending church are dealing with a sexual addiction. 37% of pastors in a Christianity Today survey indicated that they struggle with internet pornography.

Young, old, single, married, lay member and those in ministerial positions come on Sunday morning to worship in the house of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Yet, in private, they have erected an idol of Asherah in their temple, which is their body. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 says, " Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? Know ye not that your body body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"

The modern idols of Asherah have been set up in the hearts and minds of some in today's church as follows: singles who continue to have pre-martial sex(fornication), adultery, men and women viewing pornographic material(via the Internet, magazines, and DVD's/Videos), men and women committing homosexual acts, teenagers viewing pornography on the internet and watching music videos on stations as BET and MTV(which is nothing more than soft porn). In the Greek, the word porneuo means to indulge in unlawful lust of either sex, to practice idolatry, to commit fornication.

The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is soon. The Church must cry out with a loud voice to its people to rid their hearts of Asherah and any sexual sin that has ensnared them; we must warn them that they need to cleanse their personal temples. Do not provoke G-d to jealousy by having the image of jealousy in your hearts. Tear down the high places of your hearts. Let Jesus be number one in our lives. The people of G-d need to confess sin and repent. G-d will forgive and deliver you. Saints, let us live holy and sanctified lifestyles. AMEN.