Kenneth Copeland Doesn't Believe That Jesus is God

 

By Shofarsound/Endtimeshofar

Kenneth Copeland, the famous Word of Faith Preacher, Teacher, and so-called Prophet, holds the belief and teaches that Jesus isn't God. Copeland has been well-documented for his antichrist belief that Jesus wasn't God manifested in the flesh.

In this short blog post, let us examine Kenneth Copeland's blasphemous statements about Jesus not being God:

 

 “Why didn’t Jesus openly proclaim Himself as God during 33 years on Earth? For one single reason. He hadn’t come to Earth as God. He’d come as a man.”(1)

In another instance, Copeland claims he received this prophecy from Jesus, in which he states the following:

They crucified Me for claiming I was God. But I didn’t claim I was God. I just claimed I walked with Him and that He was in Me. Hallelujah. (2)

 

The Holy Scriptures vs Kenneth Copeland

1 John 4:2-4

2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. 4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (3)

 

Philippians 2:5-11

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (4)

1 Timothy 3:16

New King James Version

16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:

 God was manifested in the flesh,

Justified in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Preached among the Gentiles,

Believed on in the world,

Received up in glory. (5)

Always be a student of the Word, and constantly search the scripture for yourself. Don't go off every wind of doctrine that some Christian celebrity preacher preaches or teaches. They can be leading you down the broad of deception and destruction. 

 

Sources:

1. Kenneth Copeland, Believer’s Voice of Victory Magazine, August 8, 1988 P. 8

2. Kenneth Copeland, Take Time to Pray Believer’s Voice of Victory 15, Feb 2, 1987

3. New King James Version Bible

4. New King James Version Bible

5. New King James Version Bible

How to Identify False Apostles and False Bishops

 

Welcome to our teaching on how to identify false bishops and false apostles. In this lesson, we will be going through scriptures and early Christian writings to understand what a true apostle or bishop is and how to differentiate them from false ones.

The Rise of False Apostles and Bishops

In today's times, it seems like everyone and their mama is calling themselves an apostle. With the rise of social media, it's easy to see people claiming to have the gifts of the spirit and calling themselves apostles or bishops.

However, it's important to take a closer look at their teachings and practices to determine if they are true or false.

Scriptural Qualifications for Bishops

According to 1 Timothy 3:1-2, a bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, and able to teach. These qualifications are essential for anyone who claims to be a bishop or overseer in the church.

Greed and False Teachings

A true bishop should not be greedy for money or use scriptures to manipulate people to give offerings. Unfortunately, many false apostles and bishops use empty messages that have no substance but can manipulate people to get into an emotional state of mind.

They use scriptures out of context and take advantage of people's ignorance and emotions to get them to give money.

Early Christian Writings on False Prophets

Early Christian writings, such as Irenaeus Against Heresies Book One, warn against false prophets who possess demons and use seductive words to draw people, especially women, to themselves. These false prophets claim to have the gift of prophecy and can prophesy over people, but they are deluded and deceive their victims.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it's important to be discerning and test the spirits to identify false apostles and false bishops. We should look for scriptural qualifications and practices that align with the word of God.

Let us not be swayed by charismatic speakers or false teachings that lead us away from the truth. As 1 John 4:1 says, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." Watch the full video for more insights and sign up for our blog, our podcast, or our YouTube Channel to stay updated on our teachings.

Glenn Beck and Dallas Jenkins: Are Mormons Orthodox Christians?

By Shofarsound/Endtimeshofar

Glenn Beck is a conservative political commentator, radio host, and founder of Blaze multimedia. After leaving Fox News, he created Blaze Media. The traditional Christian community embraced Beck as a voice for conservative values and politics. Dallas Jenkins is a film and television director, writer, and producer. Jenkins is best known for being the creator, co-author, and director of the hit series The Chosen, which is based on the life of Jesus Christ. 

Both Beck and Jenkins have been embraced, by the Christian media, such as Trinity Broadcast Network(TBN), Christian Broadcast Network(CBN), and Christian Post, as champions to the Christian community and leading voices for Christians in the news media industry and the entertainment industry. However, Beck and Jenkins profess to be Mormons, part of the Latter Day Saints Church.    

We must examine does Mormon doctrine lines up with true Biblical doctrine? Are Mormons true Christians are cult that is masquerading as if it is just another Christian denomination?  

Joseph Smith, the founder Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormons, claims to be the restored church. He was an occultist around the time he started Mormonism. Along with the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, the LDS church uses the Bible to teach many strange doctrines. What are some of these doctrines and teachings of Mormonism?

Mormon Doctrine

1. Mormon Doctrines(Source)
   1. There are many gods, (Mormon Doctrine, p. 163); There is a mother goddess, (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 443); God used to be a man on another planet, (Mormon Doctrine, p. 321); After you become a good Mormon, you have the potential of becoming a god, (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pages 345-347, 354); God resides near a star called Kolob, (Pearl of Great Price, pages 34-35; Mormon Doctrine, p. 428).
      1. The Bible says there is only one God (Is. 43:10; 44:6, 8; 45:5).  God is a trinity of persons–not three gods.  God is eternally God (Psalm 90:2); therefore, He was never a man.  God knows of no other gods (Is. 44:8).  You cannot become a god (Is. 43:10).  Mormonism is wrong.
      2. One God verses
         1. Isaiah 43:10, You are My witnesses, declares the Lord, And My servant whom I have chosen, in order that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me.”
         2. Isaiah 44:6, “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me.”
         3. Isaiah 44:8, “Do not tremble and do not be afraid; have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, or is there any other Rock? I know of none.”
         4. Isaiah 45:5, “I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides Me there is no God.”
   2. The Trinity is three separate gods, (James Talmage, Articles of Faith, p. 35); God is increasing in knowledge, (Joseph Smith, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 6, p. 120); God has the form of a man, (Joseph Smith, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 6, p. 3).
   3. God the Father has a body of flesh and bones, (Doctrine and Covenants, 130:22);  God is married to his goddess wife and has spirit children, (Mormon Doctrine p. 516); We were first begotten as spirit children in heaven and then born naturally on earth, (Journal of Discourse, Vol. 4, p. 218).
      1. The Bible says that God is spirit (John 4:24) and that a spirit does not have flesh and bones (Luke 24:39).  Therefore, God doesn’t have a body of flesh and bones, and he isn’t married to a goddess wife.
   4. Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers, and we were all born as siblings in heaven to them both (Mormon Doctrine, p. 163); There is no salvation without accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet of God (Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 1, p. 188); There are three levels of heaven: telestial, terrestrial, and celestial, (Mormon Doctrine, p. 348).
   5. The Holy Ghost is a male personage, (A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, p 118; Journal of Discourses, Vol. 5, page 179); Baptism for the dead, (Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. II, p. 141). This is a practice of baptizing each other in place of non-Mormons who are now dead. Their belief is that in the afterlife, the “newly baptized” person will be able to enter into a higher level of Mormon heaven.
2. Joseph Smith boasted he did more than Jesus to keep a church together.
   1. Joseph Smith said, “I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam . . . Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet.” (History of the Church, Vol. 6:408-9).
      1. Link:  http://www.carm.org/religious-movements/mormonism/joseph-smith-boasted-he-did-more-jesus-keep-church-together
3. Mormonism condemns other religions.
   1. (Joseph Smith’s first vision) ” . . . I asked the personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right–and which I should join. I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong, and the personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in His sight. . .” (History of the Church, Vol. 1, pages 5-6).
   2. “But He did send His angel to this same obscure person, Joseph Smith Jun., who afterwards became a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and informed him that he should not join any of the religious sects of the day, for they were all wrong.” (Brigham Young, “Journal of Discourses,” Vol. 2, page 171.–1855)
4. Mormons have a different Jesus.
   1. “In bearing testimony of Jesus Christ, President Hinckley spoke of those outside the Church who say Latter-day Saints ‘do not believe in the traditional Christ.’ ‘No, I don’t. The traditional Christ of whom they speak is not the Christ of whom I speak. For the Christ of whom I speak has been revealed in this the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times.'” (LDS Church News Week ending June 20, 1998, p. 7)
5. Book of Mormon
   1. Joseph Smith said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” (History of the Church, Vol. 4, page 461).
   2. If the book of Mormon is more correct than the Bible and you can get closer to God by following it (History of the Church, 4:461), why does it not mention plurality of Gods, Word of Wisdom, God is an exalted man, celestial marriage, men may become Gods, three degrees of glory, baptism for the dead, eternal progression, the Aaronic Priesthood, and the Melchizedek Priesthood?
   3. Changes in the Book of Mormon
      1. 1 Nephi 11:18, (1830 edition) “And he said unto me, Behold, the virgin which thou seest, is the mother of [. . . . ] God, after the manner of the flesh.” VERSES (1981 edition) “And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.”
      2. 1 Nephi 13:40, (1830 edition)” . . . and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is [. . . . ] the Eternal Father and the Savior of the
         world . . . ” VERSES (1981 edition) ” . . . and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the
         World . . . “
      3. 1 Nephi 20:1 (changed in 1964 ed.). “Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah,
         [. . . . ] which swear . . . ” VERSES (1981 EDITION) “Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, or out of the waters of baptism, who swear . . . “
      4. Alma 29:4, (1830 edition)” . . . yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills . . . ” VERSES (1981 edition) ” . . . yea, I know that he allotteth unto men [ . . . .] according to their
         wills . . . “
      5. 3 Nephi 22:4 (1830 edition) ” . . . for thou shalt forget the shame of thy
         youth, [. . . . ] and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.”
         VERSES ” . . . for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.”
6. Questions for Mormons
   1. Why was Joseph Smith still preaching against polygamy in October 1843 after he got his revelation in July 1843 commanding the practice of polygamy? (Doc. & Cov. 132; and History of the Church Vol. 6, page 46, or Teachings of the Prophet, page 324).
   2. If the Book of Mormon is true, why do Indians fail to turn white when they become Mormons? (2 Nephi 30:6, prior to the 1981 revision).
   3. How did Joseph Smith carry home the golden plates of the Book of Mormon, and how did the witnesses lift them so easily? (They weighed about 230 lbs. Gold with a density of 19.3 weighs 1204.7 lbs. per cubic foot. The plates were 7″ x 8″ by about 6.” See Articles of Faith by Talmage, page 262, 34th ed.).
   4. If Moroni devoutly practiced the Mormon Gospel, why is he an angel now rather than a God? (Doc. & Cov. 132:17, 37)
   5. If Jesus was conceived as a result of a physical union between God and Mary, how was Jesus born of a virgin? (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 1, page 50).
   6. How did Nephi with a few men on a new continent build a temple like Solomon’s while Solomon needed 163,300 workmen and seven years to build his temple? (1 Kings 5:13-18 and 2 Nephi 5:15-17).
   7. God rejected the fig leaf aprons which Adam and Eve made (Gen. 3:21). Why do Mormons memorialize the fall by using fig leaf aprons in the secret temple ceremonies?
7. Verses worth noting from LDS Scripture
   1. Book of Mormon
      1. Sufficiently Humble, Alma 5:27, “Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?”
      2. Mocking Brother,   Alma 5:29-31, “Behold, I say, is there one among you who is not stripped of envy? I say unto you that such an one is not prepared; and I would that he should prepare quickly, for the hour is close at hand, and he knoweth not when the time shall come; for such an one is not found guiltless.  30 And again I say unto you, is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions?  31 Wo unto such a one, for he is not prepared, and the time is at hand that he must repent or he cannot be saved!”
      3. Jesus born in Jerusalem:  Alma 7:10, “And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.
      4. Saved after all you can do:  2 Nephi 25:23, “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all, we can do.”
      5. Grace is sufficient after you deny yourself of all ungodliness.  Moroni 10:32, “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and IF YE SHALL DENY YOURSELVES OF ALL UNGODLINESS, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, THEN IS HIS GRACE SUFFICIENT FOR YOU, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.”
         1. Have you denied yourself of all ungodliness?  If not, then God’s grace isn’t sufficient for you.  Remember, you must deny yourself of ALL ungodliness, or you don’t have God’s grace . . . which would mean you are lost.  So, have you denied yourself of all ungodliness according to YOUR scriptures?
      6. Must forsake your sins:  DC 58:43, “By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.”
      7. Former Sins Return, DC 82:7, “And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God.”
         1. If you don’t perform perfectly, and you sin again after repenting, the form of sins return.  How is this forgiveness?
   2. Doctrine and Covenants
      1. Celestial Law, “For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory,” (DC 88:22).–following are excerpts from LDS.org, search on celestial law requirements
         1. “If we are fully obedient to celestial law, fulfilling the laws of Christ, we will be worthy of celestial glory. But for those who do not fully comply with celestial law, other lesser degrees of glory have been prepared . . . ” (Delbert L. Stapley, The Blessings of Righteous Obedience, Ensign, Nov. 1977, 18).
         2. “respect the opposite sex so that even lustful thoughts are foreign to the mind,” (C. Kent Dunford, Are You Ready to Be a Disciple of Christ? New Era, Apr. 1975, 26)
         3. “Obedience to Celestial Law Tithing is a part of the celestial law referred to in this revelation. Obedience to it is a prerequisite to being quickened in the resurrection by the fulness of the celestial glory,” (Marion G. Romney, The Blessings of an Honest Tithe, New Era, Jan.Feb. 1982, 45).
         4. “When we talk of the celestial law which is revealed from heaven, that is, the Priesthood, we are talking about the principle of salvation, a perfect system of government, of laws and ordinances, by which we can be prepared to pass from one gate to another, and from one sentinel to another, until we go into the presence of our Father and God . . . (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 18: The Priesthood, 125)
         5. “But what the scriptural account means is that to gain celestial salvation we must be able to live these laws to the full if we are called upon to do so. Implicit in this is the reality that we must in fact live them to the extent we are called upon so to do,” (Bruce R. McConkie, Obedience, Consecration, and Sacrifice, Ensign, May 1975, 50).

What Would Early Christians Have to Say About Mormonism?

Would early Christians have embraced Mormon doctrine as the Truth of God's Word? Here is some of the early Christian writings that would refute Mormon doctrine:

Against Marcion 5.10 – Paul asks “What will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not raise?” Don’t suppose that some new god is the author of this practice. Rather, it was so he could firmly insist upon the resurrection of the body. Therefore, to be “baptized for the dead” means to be baptized for the body. In other words “What will they do who are baptized for the physical body, if the dead do not raise?” 

Against Marcion 2.8 – Man has an immortal soul coming from God, but it is not God. by Tertullian

Stromata 5.12 – Jesus is the only begotten God. 

Stromata 5.14 – God the Father does not have a physical body. by Clement of Alexandria

Carlton Pearson Luciferian Gospel: Man is god/ Divine!(Vlog)

Bishop Carlton Pearson Said That Satan Goes to Heaven!(Vlog)

On Target For God With The Hitman Blogtalkradio Program

Here is the link below from "On Target For God With The Hitman," Blogtalkradio Program which broadcast on October 7, 2013 with the host Dr. Isaiah West. The title of the show was The Prophetic Panel 1, in which I was one of the panelist/guest

http://my.blogtalkradio.com/hitmanministries/2013/10/08/the-prophetic-panel--1

Is Easter Really Christian Holiday? Easters Pagan Origins!

Since around 1870 Easter became an American tradition, and millions of Christians celebrate Easter Sunday annually. Even a certain group of people only come to church once year on Easter Sunday as their religious duty for the year. Stores sell color dye for Easter eggs, chocolate rabbits, jelly beans, books sold about the Easter bunny, and Easter baskets. Grocery stores selling hams for families to have for Easter dinner.

However is Easter a Christian Holiday or not? Is Easter Biblical? Is the word Easter found in the Bible? What is the origins of Easter. On this episode we will examine these questions. 

Please click on the link below to listen to this entire episode. We did this show 2 years ago.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/shofarsound/2013/03/20/is-easter-really-a-christian-holiday

False Apostle Chuck Pierce Endorses Luciferian Glenn Beck

 This video explores Chuck Pierce's endorsement of Glenn Beck as a true Christian prophet of God for America.  However, Beck is very much entrenched in Mormon doctrine and the doctrines of devils.  We'll take a clear cut look at how Beck's beliefs are not from a biblical Christian viewpoint and the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Glenn Beck's New Book Reveals He Embraces New Age Theology, Is a Knowledgeable Mormon, and a Universalist

By Brannon S. Howse

http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-times/article.php?articleid=6809

The 7: Seven Wonders That Will Change Your Life

 By Glenn Beck, Keith Ablow

https://books.google.com/books?id=BTvIhQ25s50C&printsec=frontcover&dq=glenn+beck+book+seven+wonders&hl=en&sa=X&ei=1nEbVaefIMSxggSWlYOoBw&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=glenn%20beck%20book%20seven%20wonders&f=false

Kabbalist Chuck Pierce Endorsing Mormon Glenn Beck by Psalm86

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnKE3e4EYnk

Joel Osteen Visits Pope Francis: Joel Road to a One World Church or Not?

Pastor Joel Osteen of the Lakewood Mega- Church in Houston, Texas has exhibit qualities that he is heading down the ecumenical road of pantheism, and to partake in the One World Religion that Revelation 13 speaks about. We here at "End-Time Prophecy Watch," in times past have covered Osteen lack of sound Biblical doctrine of The Word of God.  Back in 2012 when Republican Presidential Candidate  Mitt Romney who is a Mormon, was running for office, Joel Osteen was interviewed by Fox News during this time about Romney being Christian or not. He was asked the question about Romney and the Mormon Church were Christians or not, in which he stated that Mormons are Christians(here). Mormons aren't Christians! They don't believe in the Jesus of the Bible! But old Joel thinks they do! Now Osteen has linked up with Pope Francis, which is another sign he is headed down the broad road of inclusive of all religions,  Jesus called this "the broad road of destruction" in Matthew 7:13-14. Following Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is exclusive, and not inclusive. Jesus stated Himself, that He is the only way to Heaven.

Osteen on last week made a trip to Vatican to meet Pope Francis, where he stated the following about Pope Francis:

  “I love the fact that’s he’s made the Church more inclusive,” he said. “Not trying to make it smaller, but to try to make it larger—to take everybody in. So, that just resonates with me.” (here).

Is Joel Osteen headed down a wrong way street of a One World Church? Are the people following Osteen headed down the ecumenical road of a One World Religion?

Please takeout the time to do survey outside of this article!  

Lessons of False of a False Prophet (Animated Video)

This is a very funny, but true animated video done by Sarah Walker. At the same time, it is sad that we have real life people in ministry, that conduct themselves in this matter.

Prosperity Preacher/Pastor Embezzlement Case In Singapore

Story Source: AFP

Singapore - A multimillion-dollar scandal involving a Christian pastor, his singer wife and a glamorous financial executive has gripped Singapore, with allegations of fraud and tantalising glimpses into the expensive process of making a pop star.

Kong Hee, 47, the pastor and founder of the 20,000-strong City Harvest Church, is on trial alongside five other church officials for an alleged scheme to siphon off Sg$24 million ($19 million) to finance the singing career of his wife Sun Ho.

The accused allegedly misappropriated another Sg$26 million to cover up the original diversion.

Ho, 41, an established Mandarin pop singer who co-founded the evangelical megachurch with her husband in 1989, moved to Los Angeles in 2009 to launch an English-language singing career before the scandal scuttled her showbiz ambitions.

She does not face any charges herself, appearing stoically with her husband for his court appearances as her music videos continue to draw hits on video-sharing site YouTube.

The video for her song "China Wine" -- in which she dances in a nightclub alongside the rapper Wyclef Jean -- has attracted more than one million views so far.

In another video, the reggae-tinged "Mr Bill", she plays a skimpily-clad Asian wife who calls herself a geisha and sings about killing her African-American husband, played by the male supermodel Tyson Beckford.

Ho also posed for numerous pictures at exclusive events with American celebrities as part of her image-building campaign.

Evidence reportedly produced in court showed that the church had earmarked more than US$10 million as its marketing budget -- "in line with Shakira's marketing budget and less than the budget for Beyonce" -- to boost her Hollywood foray.

The Straits Times said the documents also showed more than US$1.6 million was spent on production fees for Wyclef Jean. Channeled funds.

The church has defended Ho’s attempt to become an international music star as part of a “crossover” campaign to spread God's message to the secular world through pop music.

But prosecutors say Kong and his subordinates engaged in a practice called "round-tripping" by channelling money allotted for a church building fund into sham bonds in church-linked companies so they could finance Ho's music career.

They falsified church accounts to make it appear the bonds were redeemed, prosecutors say. All six accused deny the charges.

The trial, which went into recess on September 20 and will resume in January, exposed complex money dealings and drew attention to the financial might of evangelical Christian churches in the largely Buddhist and Taoist city-state.

The trial also created a buzz in the mainstream press and on social media thanks to the church's photogenic former financial manager, Serina Wee, a 36-year-old mother of three whose stylish courtroom outfits have turned her into a fashion icon.

Wee faces six charges of criminal breach of trust for her role in the alleged scam, and four other charges for falsifying accounts.

Jeaney Yip, an Australia-based academic who has studied the marketing methods of fast-growing churches, said they make Christian teachings attractive by drawing on pop culture.

"Whatever’s in fashion, whatever’s stylish, whatever looks cool is used and infused in megachurch practice," Yip said.

"Because of the religious and humanitarian element to giving, I do not think churchgoers generally question or pay attention to how the funds are managed," said Yip, a lecturer at the University of Sydney Business School.

"The issue is not in the giving; it is in the management of the funds received that deserves accountability and transparency."

City Harvest, which has 20,000 followers in Singapore and 49 affiliates in eight Asian territories, acquired a stake in one of the city-state's biggest convention centres in 2010 for Sg$310 million and holds its weekly services there.

Give and you shall receive

Terence Chong, a sociologist at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore, said some independent churches like City Harvest preach the "prosperity gospels" which seek to convince followers that offerings made to God through donations and voluntarism will be rewarded with spiritual and material blessings.

Singapore is one of the world’s wealthiest societies, with a per capita income of Sg$65,048 ($51,800) in 2012 according to official data.

"In essence, the prosperity gospels appeal to the culture of self-improvement and upward social mobility in capitalist societies," Chong said, adding that the followers tend to come mostly from the "emergent middle class".

The church's website exhorts members to donate money as a "form of worship" and lists acceptable credit cards.

"As we give, we have faith that He will never shortchange us," the website says.

"He will certainly bless our lives abundantly in return, because we can never out-give God!"

Modern day Showdown between Jezebel and Elijah Part 2

Source of Article The Pen of the Watchman

The Lord showed me(Dr. I.J. West) about 3 years ago that we are headed for another showdown at Mt. Carmel just like Elijah vs. the prophets of Baal as in the book of 1st KINGS chapter 18. The prophets of Baal represent those desiring celebrity status and recognition who are misleading the saints by being friends with the world. They are accepted and approved of in high places such as the presidency in exchange for the castration of their voices in silence as eunuchs who are made impotent to speak out against the gay rights agenda and infant murder called abortion, just as the prophets of Baal who served Jezebel and were given protection and prominence by the wicked kings of Israel such as Ahab. King Ahab represents the government and those under them who have sold out completely to Satan, and of whom the Holy Scriptures said in 1st KINGS 21:25; "But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up." 

The prophets of Baal also had a group of contemporaries or counterparts known as "the prophets of the groves" who were a smaller group of idolaters that mingled the worship of the Lord with false gods, similar to the New Age Movement, Catholicism and the Freemasons. They all engaged in ritual witchcraft, idolatry, homosexuality, adultery & fornication, and also in child sacrifices unto demon gods such as "Baal", "Ashtoreth", and "Molech". The modern day false prophets of Baal and of the groves make what Satan presents through the world acceptable to the Church through their public and open endorsement of ungodly celebrity figures, the ignoring of blatant sin, the lack of transparency and accountability among leadership, and the poisoning of gospel music with worldly music and artists. They are also misleading thousands who are truly seeking God by mixing the clean with the unclean and the holy with the profane. These are worldly ministers ruled by the spirit of Jezebel just as King Ahab of Israel was also influenced and ruled over by his wife the real Jezebel. Jezebel and Ahab were one in purpose, and in turn birthed ungodly offspring who would do just as wickedly as they had done such as "king Jehoram, king Ahaziah, and queen Athaliah". We are seeing the corruption of a generation happen right before our very eyes just as back then, and the LORD himself will soon deal with it in spectacular fashion before his second coming so that the church and the world may know that he alone is still God Almighty.

REVELATIONS 2:20-23; "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21) And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22) Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works."

These celebrity preachers are household names who many of the saints believe to be genuine and choose to ignore the clear evidence that they are not what they appear because many of the smaller leaders want to be like them and endorse them. They are accepted because of their success among men of which foolish folks believe means they are blessed by God rather than promoted by Satan as a deception to fool the very elect. The bigger they become the greater they exercise their influence over others in ungodliness. There are many ministers, pastors, and others who idolize these figures and make comparisons of themselves to them because they desire to have the same type of success, status, and recognition as them. How many times have you heard a pastor talk about big member numbers or the gaining of material things over the pulpit as if that is a sign of blessings or progress? Why do they desire such large followings and wealth? Why does so much of the conversation seem to go towards who they are or what they have? These five-fold ministry gifts have made men and women their examples of godliness and ministerial success more so than the Lord Yeshua Moshiach (Jesus Christ), and don't see the damage they are doing to themselves, the ministers they are mentoring & training, and the congregations they are leading. These behaviors create an "elitist" class of ministers who believe their perceived status grants them a "false grace" from God which makes them cutting edge and gives them a license to teach non-biblical doctrines and do outrageous acts. They feel "enlightened" and everyone else is behind them or needs to catch up to them. This is the same doctrine and teaching of satanists and the "Illuminati" who believe they are the "illuminated" or true "enlightened ones". This is a doctrine of devils being brought in by ambitious and stupid church leaders.

These celebrity preachers and wannabes fraternize with worldly and ungodly celebrity figures, like Oprah, who has openly and on more than one occasion denied the Lordship of Christ and declared herself as her own god. I was once unfriended on Facebook by another saint who got offended because I said so, and then they went on to claim how that Oprah had personally helped them as if they were close friends, but to my knowledge they've never met Oprah. I was even told how it was dangerous for me to speak out against a man of God such as T.D. Jakes, but yet I wasn't respected as a man of God with the commission and authority to do so because of comparison in status as they saw it; not as God sees it. Just that statement of itself told me that even the seasoned people of God are being easily duped and bewitched by the spirit of seduction through like figures. It is further enhanced when famous ministers such as T.D. Jakes promote these figures behind a legitimate issue such as fatherless children in his upcoming "MegaFest" conference with Oprah Winfrey as a part of her "Life Classes". This is an endorsement of the ungodly agenda of the "New Age Oprah" which gives her a platform in the church and those like her by association. It will further skew the minds of other believers in Christ who have already been duped by such presentations as "Oprah's Super Soul Sunday" (why on Sunday?), and her "Life Classes" where New Age gurus and perverted ministers are the teachers. Many will refute what I am saying here and say things like, "I felt the power of God" or "I didn't see anything ungodly." These are the things they say when they view Oprah's ungodly programming. The problem is they are going by their "feelings" rather than judging these things by God's Word. This type of "friendship" or acceptance of the world makes one an enemy of God Almighty. Many have already been seduced and traded to the wrong side, the losing side, without even knowing it.

JAMES 4:4;  "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

God gave Ahab and Jezebel space to repent but finally his judgment fell on them and also their children because of their continual rebellion. However, before they were removed the Lord got rid of the 450 prophets of Baal after exposing them as false messengers. The Bible records the words of God's true prophet Elijah when addressing the wicked king Ahab in 1st KINGS 17:1; "And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word." Elijah stood in the presence of the LORD God, and through his constant intercession he was given a word and the supernatural authority to shut up the heavens so there would be no rain in order to bring about a drought that would make the nation of Israel turn to God. We are seeing the same results in the economic downturn, terrorist attacks, and political upheaval in the world, which I believe is a direct result of both Bible prophecy, judgment, and the intercession of the true saints of Almighty God to try and get people to turn to the Lord Yeshua. Elijah asked the nation of Israel a question in 1st KINGS 18:21; "And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word." The same question must be asked today and a choice must be made. The true prophets of today must continually stand before the Lord as did Elijah, and look to perform the supernatural works of the gospel because of the scientific and mystical age in which we are living. Just as Pharaoh's magicians imitated the rod of Moses so are the world and these false prophets mimicking real moves of God by the power of Satan to deceive many; even of the veteran saints among us. Elijah always comes before the coming of the Lord just as John came as the forerunner of Christ. It's going to rain again!

LUKE 1:17;  "And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

The spirit of Elijah represents the prophetic mantle and the undying word of God, which is why Elijah was taken alive into heaven without seeing death. In contrast, Moses who represented the law, died and was  buried by God himself but yet we see both Moses and Elijah bodily alive in the New Testament on the Mount of Transfiguration talking to Christ, and representing "the law and the prophets". MARK 9:4; "And there appeared unto them Elijah with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus." God's law can't be killed, only fulfilled, and it will serve to judge all those who have not received the grace made available through Christ as declared by the ever living testimony of Jesus Christ, which is the spirit of prophecy. REVELATIONS 19:10; "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." The prophetic testimony of the gospel, will serve as the final witness against all those who walk ungodly; especially these false ministers. The younger generation of ministers want to be celebrities like the ministers they see because they think that is where the power is but that is a lie from hell. Christ even said himself that not everyone who appears to be performing the work of the Kingdom of God is the genuine article in MATTHEW 7:22-23; "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." The Lord is saying here that their works in his name were never authorized by him and that he never had a real relationship with or commissioned these ministers. He blessed for the people's sake in spite of the minister, not because of the minister. They are gifted false messengers who will be judged accordingly.

2nd CORINTHIANS 11:13-15;  "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."

The prophet Elijah stood alone on the top of Mt. Carmel against 450 false prophets before the people of Israel, but he wasn't truly alone. There were other prophets hidden away from the treachery and murder of Jezebel, but Elijah was the one chosen to take an open stand for the LORD and his fellow prophets. The truth always seems outnumbered by what is false and the lie always makes headlines and gets the spotlight first, but the truth is the only eternal light that will continue to shine long after God puts the deceptive light of Satan and the world out. Not every minister in church or in the public eye is of God and many are agents of Satan seeking their own fame & fortune. The beloved apostle Saint John writes to us about them and calls them "antichrists" (meaning "against Christ") in 1st JOHN 2:18-19; "Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us." John said they were among them but not of them. In other words, they had learned the same things, attended the same services, preached the same messages to look like the real deal, but they eventually left to serve themselves and an anti-Christ agenda because their heart was never truly in it for the Lord and for truth. The great apostle Paul also writes about these false ministers and their eventual judgment in PHILIPPIANS 3:18-19; "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19) Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things."

Messengers and people of the Almighty God, don't let your vain ambition, pride, or ignorance fool you into thinking that just because you have a platform or get invited to the big stage of men that it is the Lord who is opening that door for you. Elijah was a man of the wilderness as was John the Baptist because the Lord did not want them to be tainted or compromised by the lure of the crowds and fame of what was popular with men. Elijah brought an entire nation to the wilderness to meet with God, and John brought all of Jerusalem into the wilderness to repent and be baptized, and see Jesus. The Lord will again call the people to revival before he returns and he will not only turn cities upside down but he will light up the overlooked and obscure people who have real power with God to shine as the true and brightest lights in the darkness of the world. Don't compromise your calling and integrity for fame or a name because it may cost you your eternal soul in hell away from God. Let your light shine for truth and don't be deceived by the darkness. ~ I.J. West

MATTHEW 5:14;  "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."