TESTIMONY TUESDAY – EXPOSING SPIRITUAL DECEPTION IN THE CHURCH

I am sure that many of you can remember at least one time in your life when out of a deep desire to seek after God, you somehow became captivated by some pastor, teacher, or speaker who ended up leading you astray. At the time you truly believed that the person  you placed yourself under in order to come to know God’s Word in a deeper way was a Biblically sound teacher. Then over time red flags began to pop up and then the warnings given to you by the Holy Spirit within you (if you are indeed a genuine follower of the true Jesus Christ of the Bible) made you realize that something was very wrong!

Now to get to my point:

A few of you may remember that back in February of 2016 I shared the testimony of Mishel McCumber of DECEPTION BYTES with you on this→ MYSTICISM MONDAY post. Well, back in October of 2016 Mishel stopped by LIVING4HISGLORY’S FACEBOOK PAGE to let me know: 

“…that the full book based on Adrift in the River  of God is now available on Amazon and on Kindle.” 

I promised her that I would let those who read my blog from time to time know about her new book, and I have been meaning to do so for quite some time now. So today I finally  decided that a Testimony Tuesday post would be the perfect way to do so!

Please pray for Mishel because it must have been extremely difficult to write a book like ‘The View Beneath’ and to relive the spiritual abuse and deception and heartache that she most certainly went through! However, all of us who have been through similar circumstances can attest to the fact that God always uses  what we have been through to help others who are still trapped in the web of deceit and manipulation. We can also say that God’s grace has been sufficient and His strength is always made perfect in our weakness, for when we are weak, then we are strong. May God use Mishel’s book for His glory to open the eyes of many who have been deceived by false teachers!

Truly we must finally come to  the point of realizing the extreme importance of being a follower of Jesus Christ alone, and to read and study His Word so that we will come to know it so well that we will immediately be able to discern truth from error; we must always test the teachings of every man and woman who claims to speak for God against the truth of God’s Word to see if what is being said (and done) is true or not.  (Acts 17:11)

And now, I present to you the testimony of Mishel McCumber, who is a former  member of Rick Joyner’s Morningstar church:

(SOURCE)

Thank you very much for stopping by and taking time out of your busy day to read some of my posts and poems.

God Bless You

~Mary/Living4HisGlory

RELATED SCRIPTURES

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” (2 Peter 2:1)

“Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”         (Acts 20:26-31)

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 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.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” (2 Corinthians 11:3,4)

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9)

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (2 Timothy 4:1)

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

 

 

RELATED VIDEOS

UPDATE:

I am very sorry that I am still not finished writing my post that will be focusing on the apparitions of the Virgin Mary. There is so much information that I need to share with you that I finally realized the only way I can present it to you without it being extremely long is to make it into another series. Lord willing, I am truly hoping to have Part 1  finished for you by this Sunday evening  as long as I am able to gather up all the information that I will need in order to have my taxes done by Friday evening.

LEARN TO DISCERN SO YOU WILL NOT BE DECEIVED

****UPDATED 10/20/13** ADDED LINK TO ANOTHER EXCELLENT POST AND SERMON BY TOM CHANTRY (SEE BELOW.  DATE HIGHLIGHTED IN RED)

**UPDATED 10/12/13** ADDED LINK TO TOM CHANTRY’S POST AND SERMON (SEE BELOW).

UPDATED 10/5/13** WELL, I WOULD LIKE ALL OF YOU TO KNOW THAT TWITTER’S FAMOUS ‘MEGACHURCHMOUSE’ WHO IS  “BOLD LIKE A LION” AND DEFINITELY NOT “TIMID AS A MOUSE,”  — AS THEY SAY — HAS BEEN TWEETING UP A STORM LATELY, TRYING TO GET THE ATTENTION OF PASTORS AND CERTAIN CHRISTIAN BLOGGERS HOPING FOR SOMEONE TO  GIVE A BIBLICAL ANALYSIS OF WHAT IS HAPPENING OVER AT HARVEST BIBLE CHAPEL ROLLING MEADOWS, CONCERNING THE ATTEMPT AT CHANGING THEIR ELDER STRUCTURE.  AND AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE QUICK CAPTURES BELOW, HE/SHE (NO ONE REALLY KNOWS FOR SURE) HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL!

MEGACHURCHMOUSE’S LOUD SQUEAKS FINALLY CAPTURED THE ATTENTION OF TOM CHANTRY, PASTOR OF CHRIST REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH IN MILWAUKEE.  AND YOU CAN READ  HIS EXCELLENT POST BELOW, APTLY ENTITLED, ‘THE MOUSE MADE ME DO IT’ UNDER ‘FURTHER READING.’  AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, MEGACHURCHMOUSE WAS GREATLY APPRECIATIVE:

    INTRODUCTION

I have been trying to finish writing ‘Part 2’ of my testimony, but in light of recent developments at my former church, Harvest Bible Chapel Rolling Meadows, especially concerning September’s Elder Update (that you can find at one of the links here) (UPDATE: 9/28/13 UNFORTUNATELY THAT VIDEO SEEMS TO NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE.  HOWEVER, I JUST FOUND IT ON A WEBSITE AS A VIDEO ON YOUTUBE, AND IT CAN BE SEEN BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY.  **UPDATE** HARVEST BIBLE CHAPEL HAD THAT REMOVED.  **UPDATE** 10/5/13** JUST FOUND THIS YESTERDAY.  SO FOR THE TIME BEING YOU CAN SEE SEPTEMBER’S ‘ELDER UPDATE’ >HERE< ) that focuses on former elders, Scott Phelps and Barry Slabaugh, as well as the statement given by well respected and loved former 20 year elder of Harvest Bible Chapel Rolling Meadows, David Corning, (that you can read at ‘The Elephant’s Debt’ website here) I decided to take time to write a poem as a way to express my support for all of them. 

Some of the things you will hear being said, word for word, in September’s ‘Elder Update,’ are as follows:

James MacDonald: “I just want to remind you, uh, that God has entrusted, uh, spiritual authority, uh, to the local church.  And uh, every local church, um, has a an authority under God and we believe that the Bible teaches that the authority of the church is invested in the elders.  And that when the elders speak uh, collectively in agreement they speak uh, for God, uh, to our church.  That’s about as uh, serious as serious gets.  And uh, here are uh four of the elders in our church that have a message, uh, for us and we would do well to take heed to, so listen uh very carefully –these four men are speaking on behalf of the entire elder board of our church on every campus.  Listen now.”

Some of the many things you will hear the elders Paul Inserra, Steve Huston, Randy Williams, Jamie Harrison, say concerning former elders, Scott Phelps and Barry Slabaugh, are as follows:

“They refused to submit to elder consensus , choosing instead to sow discord and create division.”

“Please pray for their repentance and victory over a persistent spirit of superiority and self-righteousness.”

“Their goal is to discredit our pastor, divide this church.  And we call upon the people of Harvest family to make sure this does not happen.”

“Church matters are not to be tried in the court of public opinion.  Publicizing viewpoints rejected by the elder majority for any reason is Satanic to the core and must be dealt with very directly.”

“We warn the people of Harvest Bible Chapel to separate themselves from these false messengers.  Don’t stand in the middle, don’t seek to mediate.  Please avoid these former Harvest elders at all cost, lest you incur great detriment to your own soul.”

In part, the elders say the following to assure the people of Harvest that:

“We the elders of Harvest Bible Chapel are completely satisfied with Pastor James’ growth in grace.”

And that they:

“…stand behind his character and integrity without reservation.”

In closing, they have this to say:

  “Nothing is covered, nothing is unresolved, nothing is ongoing.  Only this attack from the enemy.”

Because of the serious concerns I had after viewing the Elder Update and hearing the above mentioned things that were said by the four elders in the video, I also wrote this poem as another warning (the first being WARNING YOU WITH TEARS) to all Harvest Bible Chapel attendees and members, (and every other Christian, as well) of not only how very important it is for you (and for all of us) to pray for discernment and to test all messages you (we) will hear by those in leadership (of any church) against the truth of God’s Word to make sure that what you (we) are hearing is true, (Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22) but also the importance of investigating any claims made so that you (we) will come to know what the truth really is. 

The following poem focuses on some of those concerns, and they are presented to you through many warnings.  I pray discernment and wisdom for all who have watched, and will watch the ‘Elder Update’ in the future. (Well, viewing the video of the ‘Elder Update’ may not be possible any longer, but I am sure it’s still on the Internet somewhere).

My final thoughts to all of you are as follows: Someone is being deceptive and manipulative, and someone is telling the truth.  Either the elders in the video are telling the truth, which would mean that Scott Phelps and Barry Slabaugh are trying to discredit James MacDonald.  But if not, that would mean that James MacDonald as well as some of the elders at Harvest Bible Chapel Rolling Meadows are attempting to destroy the reputations of Scott Phelps and Barry Slabaugh, as well as mislead all of you.  So be very cautious about coming to your own conclusion as to who is telling the truth.  Earnestly pray and ask God to reveal the truth to you.  Let God and His Word be the source for the truth that you seek, and pray for discernment concerning the information you find on the Internet.

Don’t allow anyone to manipulate your thinking if you have any valid concerns, even if you are told that “when the elders speak collectively in agreement they speak for God…”

Even though I left HBCRM over 1 1/2 years ago, I still continue to pray for all of you, as well as for James and all others in leadership.

Thank you very much for stopping by.  And thank you also for taking  time out of your busy day to read some of my posts and poems.  

God Bless You

~Mary Dalke/Living4HisGlory

UPDATE: 9/28/13 10:30p.m. JUST FOUND THIS ELDER UPDATE ON A WEBSITE, AND IT WAS UPLOADED ON YOUTUBE (UPDATE: 10/3/13 Harvest Bible Chapel had the video removed from the person’s channel who uploaded it on YouTube, so I have replaced it with this screenshot).

PLEASE CONSIDER WATCHING THE FOLLOWING VIDEO SERIES SO YOU ARE AWARE OF THE DANGER SIGNS OF:

TOXIC CHURCHES (Part 1 of 2)

SCRIPTURES FOR YOU TO REFLECT ON

“As for you, see what you have heard from the beginning remains in you.  If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.  And this is what He promised us–eternal life.  I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.  As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you.  But as His anointing teaches you about all things, and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit–just as it has taught you, remain in Him.” (1 John 2:24-26)

But a prophet who presumes to speak in My name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death.”  You may say to yourselves,  “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?”  If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken.  That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.” (Deuteronomy 18:20-22)

“Her prophets whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations.  They say,  ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says’–when the LORD has not spoken.” (Ezekiel 22:28)

“I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in My name.  They say,  ‘I had a dream!  I had a dream!’  How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds.  Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has My Word speak it faithfully .  For what has straw to do with grain?”  declares the LORD.  “Is not My Word like fire, declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?  “Therefore,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare,  ‘The LORD declares.’  Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,”  declares the LORD.  They tell them and lead My people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them.  They do not benefit these people in the least,”  declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:25-32)

“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.  Their end will be what their actions deserve.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

“Consider how far you have fallen!  Repent and do the things you did at first.  If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” (Revelation 2:5)

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

LEARN TO DISCERN SO YOU WILL NOT BE DECEIVED

Learn to discern so you will not be deceived

Everything a church leader says is not always to be believed

Examine every Scripture concerning what is being said

Test the character of everyone, or you just might be misled

Truth is not always apparent by what you’re being told

You need to think quite carefully, or a lie you may be sold

Destructive labels are being placed upon godly men because it’s simply

the truth these men do seek

And they can paint quite a different picture; one that’s distorted, untrue

and bleak

Attempting to destroy someone’s reputation, possibly because of arrogance

or pride

Would be clear evidence of a wayward, rebellious heart that’s forming

deep inside

God’s Word warns that men will come and claim to speak for Him

Speaking the deceit of their own hearts, messages spoken not just on a whim

Discernment is truly needed to know who it is that really speaks the truth

But the evidence is very clear, so it doesn’t take a sleuth

A church divided can never stand, but please know that God is in control

Seek the truth in prayer and in His Word, and you will find healing for

your soul

Keep your eyes on Christ alone, for by man many are led astray

May God have His way in the hearts of all, and for that we must truly pray

Kingdoms rise and many fall when a man takes his eyes off of the Lord

But through humbleness and true repentance, it all can be restored

This warning goes out to every one of us, for we are all sinners saved by grace

In reverent fear let’s search our hearts, for we will one day see Him face to face

Copyright© 2013 Mary K. Dalke/Living4HisGlory/Living For His Glory All rights reserved.

Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible New International Version® 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.  Used by permission of Zondervan.  All rights reserved.

RELATED POSTS

WARNING YOU WITH TEARS

WHOM DO YOU FOLLOW

LIKE SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD

OUT OF THE DARKNESS AND INTO THE LIGHT

FURTHER READING

HOW TO SPOT A MANIPULATIVE CHURCH LEADER

MIND CONTROL AT CHURCH: SIX TELL-TALE SIGNS OF ABUSIVE LEADERS

**ADDED 10/5/13** POSTS BY TOM CHANTRY, PASTOR OF CHRIST REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH CONCERNING HARVEST BIBLE CHAPEL

THE MOUSE MADE ME DO IT

TOUCH NOT THE LORD’S ANOINTED

**ADDED 10/12/13** 

WHAT DOES A FALSE MINISTRY LOOK LIKE?  READ AND LISTEN TO PASTOR TOM CHANTRY ON THIS SUBJECT AT THE LINKS BELOW:

 TEN MARKS OF A FALSE MINISTRY

TOM CHANTRY’S EXCELLENT SERMON >>HERE<<

**ADDED 10/20/13**

TOM CHANTRY SHOWS US THROUGH SCRIPTURE, THE PATTERN FOR A TRUE, BIBLICAL MINISTRY:

SEVEN MARKS OF A TRUE MINISTRY

ANOTHER EXCELLENT SERMON OF THE SAME TITLE BY TOM CHANTRY CAN BE FOUND >>HERE<<

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