SPIRITUAL HIGH TREASON
[PART3]
Today is the 23\08\2006 and somehow after a battle in the spirit-world, and much encouragement from the Lord I have decided that part3 of ‘Spiritual High Treason’ must be written and put out for the whole wide world to read. I thank the Lord for this opportunity, because there is a lot of false doctrine being spread out there amongst unsuspecting people, even among so-called charismatic-churches who are easily led astray by these false teachings that are doing the rounds.
So I thank the Lord, for this task that He has given me, and so many other ‘watchmen’ whom the Lord has called to do this almost always unpleasant task. So let me say up front that whatever I am about to say I do not apologise for because I know that which I speak of here is the truth, as the Word of God clearly states in Matthew 7v15, ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside are devouring wolves’ [Amp Bible]
In 2Timothy 4v3 we read that, `the time is coming when people will not tolerate [endure] sound and wholesome instruction, but, having itching ears [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold.’[Amp Bible]
Folk’s just these two [2] verses from Matthew and 2Timothy gives us an indication of what is to take place, and is even now taking place as the ‘Coming of Jesus Christ’ draws near. I believe I can state here without fear or trembling that we have for the last decade or more seen an increase of false prophets and teachers popping up everywhere as these scriptures suggest. Here in South Africa there are so many new churches seeing the light of day. Each one has its own version of the gospel to spread.
No more do we hear [or it is very seldom if we do] sermons being preached such as ‘the Cross of Christ’, ‘the Blood of Jesus’ from our pulpits. Everything is ‘prosperity sermons’ ‘get rich schemes’ ‘what can I get from God’ ‘church growth’. So-called ministers of the gospel are more interested in how big the congregation is that he is called to shepherd, how big his salary will be and what are the perks that he will receive. I do not know how it is in your USA, but that is the trend here in my country of South Africa. I have first hand knowledge of this. But please don’t read me wrong, I thank the Lord for those few preachers who still do not prioritise that way of thinking. There are still some men out there called of God who put soul-winning first.
Please let me stress that I am not ignorant or narrow-minded to the fact what the Word of God declares concerning blessing His children. It is God’s intention and will that His children be blessed in material-matters as well as spiritual blessings! But when so-called preachers place material blessings as their first priority, more important than soul-winning than there is something very wrong. Being a minister of the gospel has then become a vocation and not a calling. He has now become nothing more than what is so clearly stated in John 10v12+13[Amp Bible], `But the hired servant [he who merely works for wages] who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away. And the wolf chases and snatches them and scatters [the flock] [v12] ` `Now the hireling flees because he merely serves for wages and is not concerned about the sheep [cares nothing for them] ` [v13]
Please believe me when I say, I not only have first-hand experience of these matters, but it has happened on several occasions that I know about. One such pastor whom I know off when he was called to one of our Pentecostal-assemblies, quickly showed his true intentions.
He would not do a funeral service for one of his flock [a long standing member of this congregation who had passed on to glory], and the excuse that he used when he asked one of the elders to perform the funeral duties was that he did not have the compassion to do this type of duties. On another occasion he let it be known to the church-board members that the church could never pay him what he was worth. This came about because this pastor was a cabinet-maker by profession and could earn more money at this profession than what the church could afford to pay him in salary. Can you see his motive being money?
Without too much detail on these matters, within one year of this so-called pastor having taken up his post at this particular assembly, 90% of the flock were either told to leave by this hireling if they were not satisfied with him or just left on their own accord. What the previous-retiring pastor, who was there for eighteen [18] years, had built up [as far as soul-winning was concerned], this hireling destroyed in one year.
When the so-called minister of the gospel no longer has the guts to call sin by its name, or the unrighteous a sinner, because he does not want to ‘offend’ or is afraid he will lose the big congregation and salary, then I declare without fear or trembling that pastor or minister is backslidden at best. Thank God Almighty for the preachers who still preach the uncompromising Word of God. Preachers who will not bow to this `another gospel` that the Apostle Paul speaks about in 2Corinthians 11v4, `for [you seem readily to endure it] if a man comes and preaches another Jesus than the One we preached, or if you received a different spirit from the [Spirit] you [once] received or a different gospel from the one you [then] received and welcomed: you tolerate [all that] well enough` [Amp Bible].
So you see saints, this is the ‘other gospel’ that Paul spoke about that is being preached not only in the USA or elsewhere but also here in my own backyard of South Africa. As I mentioned earlier no longer is ‘Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected’, ‘Jesus saves’, ‘Jesus heals’, ‘Jesus baptizes with the Holy Ghost’, preached from behind the sacred pulpit.
For sure there is a thin veneer or veiled mention mixed for it to sound all pious and holy, but the gospel of the hour is, ‘do not offend, everyone is accepted for what he or she is, ‘you can be successful, success seminars, prosperity seminars are the order of the day. This is the ‘another gospel’ that Paul speaks about.
Let me go somewhere else for a brief moment to share with you another type of gospel that is promoted by your very own favourite ‘talk show’ host. Miss Oprah Winfrey has the following to say on matters spiritual. `One of the biggest mistakes that humans make is to believe that there is only one way. Actually there are many diverse paths leading to what you call God`. My Bible teaches me in 1Timothy 2v5, `for there is only One way and [only] One mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus` [Amp Bible]. These are some of the most damnable words ever spoken by this lady that is misleading to the vast audience that she attracts via her ‘talk show’.
As most of you know as we do here in South Africa that Oprah Winfrey is probably one of the most influential women not only in the USA but all across the globe due to her show being broadcast in most countries of the world. And watching her show one can see why. She promotes a ‘New Age’ type gospel by all the ‘good deeds’ she does because she herself is a self-confessed ‘new age’ follower. And even more is the fact that Winfrey has admitted to coming into contact with the ‘spirit world’ by attesting to a sinister type of ringing or humming that lulls the mind and body in preparation for advanced occult-indoctrination. This is what the ‘new age’ is all about people! Listen to what Winfrey has to say, as she so blatant and honestly confesses about her reliance on the spirit realm. `I ask God for grace, and the power of the spirits, calling on you, calling on you. I really believe I can call her up. Her and so many others, I am counting on them’.
And for sure one can only come to the conclusion that Oprah Winfrey is not calling upon ‘heavens angels’ but on the fallen angels [demons] who are under the control of that ‘fallen angel’ Lucifer who was thrown out of God Almighty’s heaven because of his rebellion. Yes Miss Winfrey, Satan is counting on you!!
Jesus said; `I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that no man comes to the Father but through me`, John 14v6 [Amp Bible]. Contrary to Jesus Christ, Oprah wants to lead people away from the central truths she claims are her roots, to false hopes which will grant entrance into heaven. Satan’s primary target [here] is the assault upon God’s Word. By dismissing Scriptural facts for feelings, the satanic agenda moves people from the truth [of God’s Word] to that of emotional feeling. A life simply governed by feelings would quickly fall prey to the broad path that Jesus spoke and warned about in Matthew 7v13, `Enter through the narrow gate [which leads to heaven]; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction [leads to hell], and many are those who are entering through it` [Amp Bible].
Oprah Winfrey has done many charitable things over the years and is always at the forefront of doing ‘righteous deeds’ on behalf of others. This is not surprising as scripture clearly states that, `Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising then if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve` [2Corinthians 11v14+15 Amp Bible].
To the folks out there in television-world who watch the Oprah Winfrey show [especially so-called Christians], do not be fooled by all the good deeds that Winfrey does, for that is all they are, ‘good works or righteous deeds’ for God has this to say about Oprah’s works of righteousness, and so many others who promote this type of philosophy.
`For we have all become like one who is unclean [like a leper], and all our righteousness [our best deeds of righteousness and justice] is like filthy rags or a polluted garment; we all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away far from God’s favour, hurrying us to destruction`[Isaiah 64v6 Amp Bible].
This is what the end will be for Miss Winfrey and many others like her who believe they can mix God Almighty and ‘demon spirits’ and by their ‘good deeds’ gain entrance into heaven. This exposé on Miss Winfrey was quoted from the website Hollywood Unmasked, http://www.goodfight.org/hollywoodunmasked.htm. You can click on for more of these other actors who are involved with the ‘new age’ gospel, which of course is to the true child of God, a false religion and a lie of the highest order as concerns ‘Spiritual High Treason’.
Let’s see what Pastor David Yonggi Cho of Korea has to say in his book ‘The Apocalyptic Prophecy’ [pg 110], about the situation in most churches today. `Many churches today have members who simply attend the services. They listen to the pastor’s sermon; they’re interested in things scientific and philosophical. But they forget the Jesus who is present. He is the reason for our attendance and our worship. These so-called churches do not lead people to feel the need to be saved, encourage them to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, or pray for the sick. Therefore nobody repents, nobody receives the Holy Spirit, and nobody is healed miraculously from disease. The works of God disappear and are replaced by human efforts. The service turns into a humanistic meeting void of spiritual nourishment and blessing`. To this I want to say a resounding AMEN brother David!!
Most denominational churches [and even Pentecostal and charismatic] today have become a place to come on a Sunday morning for a hour, and listen to dead sermons being preached by dead [spiritually]preachers, to dead [spiritually]congregations. But thank God Almighty for the churches where the Holy Spirit is still welcome, where the sick are still prayed for and healed, where the hungry and thirsty are baptized with the Holy Ghost and fire. Praise God for churches like these and for pastors who still call sin by its name, and where congregations still love to praise and worship God.
In my own local congregation where I happen to be one of the worship leaders, God the Holy Spirit has blessed us as we have [by God’s grace] allowed the Holy Spirit His rightful place in the way that we present the songs that we sing. And God has blessed our efforts tremendously. By doing it God’s way the Lord has added to the congregation not only spiritual blessings but financially also. To God we give all the praise for this!!
Another scriptural truth that can be classified as ‘spiritual treason’ is what Brother David Yonggi Cho says, `is the denial of the place we know as hell, where the ‘souls of men’ [apart from Christ] gather together after the death of the body. It is a place of torment. Luke 16 tells us of the rich man who went to hell and saw Lazarus, who was in the bosom of Abraham. The rich man appeals to Abraham to send Lazarus with a bit of water to cool his tongue. If hell is so painful, how great must be the pain when one is cast into the lake burning with fire and brimstone according to Revelation 19v20`.
Jehovah’s Witnesses argue that when people die, their souls also die with them. However, verse eleven [11] of Revelation 14 clearly states the following, `and the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no respite [no pause, no peace, no intermission, no rest] day or night—those who pay homage to the beast and to his image and whoever receives the stamp of his name upon him` [Amp Bible]
Here the apostle John distinctly and very clearly says that anyone who rejects Christ and swears allegiance to the Antichrist [Satan] will be tormented day and night which to my understanding refers to an unbroken continuance of torment.
I wonder how the Jehovah’s Witnesses and others like them who believe that a person’s soul dies with the body, will like to explain this portion of scripture if they believe in the bible. People doubt whether there are really places as heaven and hell. But the Bible clearly states that these places exist. All prophecies of the bible are being fulfilled. Why then would this scripture not be fulfilled? That’s why Jesus commented on the soul of the man that betrayed Him, `It would have been good for that man if he had not been born`, [Matthew 26v24 Amp Bible]. This proclaims the eternal consequence of the actions of Judas, as well all others who reject Christ.
Today more than ever before there is a move to try and unite Christianity with other religions of the world. And for sure there has been much success in this. In Revelation 17 we see how the Antichrist will take advantage of this accommodation to consolidate his foundation for a one-world religion. But we know this to be a ruse, as he will persecute and crush this religious unity for his own purposes. The Bible calls corrupted religion ‘spiritual adultery’, as James 4v4 puts in perspective, `You are like unfaithful wives [the modern church] having illicit love affairs with the world and breaking your marriage vow to God! Do you not know that being the world’s friend is being God’s enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God` [Amp Bible]
This dear reader is where most if not all the ‘denominational church’ world is today! And dare I add some of our Charismatic and Pentecostal churches also. In other words they have become adulterers. Other religions that do not serve the true and living God [Creator of heaven and earth], including Islam, Buddhism and Taoism are all adulteresses. They have created their own gods and serve the creature more than the true Creator. I would like to add the following article that I happened on, and I believe will help one understand this ‘spiritual adultery’ topic better.
ALLAH or JESUS?
By Rick Mathes.
The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion in the United States, especially in the minority races!!!
Last month I attended my annual training session that’s required for maintaining my state-prison clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their belief systems.
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers. When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: ‘Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy Jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world. And that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that’s the case can you give me the definition of an infidel?
There was no disagreement with my statements and without hesitation, he replied, ‘Non-believers!’ I responded, ‘So, let me get this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?’ The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, ‘Yes.’
I then stated, ‘Well, sir, I have a problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr Stanley ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven. The Imam was speechless!!
I continued, ‘I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother-clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with Him?’ You could hear a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame’
Needless to say the organizers and/or promoters of the ‘Diversification’ seminar were not happy with Rick’s way of dealing with the Islamic Imam and exposing the truth about Islam’s beliefs. To which I can only comment, ‘Good for you Rick!’ This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well known leader in prison-ministry. Dear reader do you understand a little better what God means when He speaks about ‘spiritual adultery’.
History tells us a wholesome religion enlivens a nation as well as an individual. Unwholesome religion on the other hand brings misery to the lives of both individuals and the state by stealing away their hearts from the True living God and corrupts them.
Every corrupt religion in the world today, even within Christendom, bodies of the old and new church are trying to form an ecumenical-council with other religions—not to mention the so-called Christian denominations violating the orthodox faith of the Bible. In this move toward consensus, all the religions of the world are gradually being united. What you dear reader must know for certain is that at the end of the world [before Jesus returns] Christendom will be distinctly divided into two [2] groups. One will be the church united politically [I believe this is currently happening with some of your churches in the USA with the signing of Executive Order #13397 (Church as Governmental Agency), that was signed by President Bush in March 2006]. The other will be the church united by the Holy Spirit. Churches who genuinely love Jesus will come together, rising above denominations. Christian organisations that follow the trend of modernism and the new theology will be united according to their political concern advocating social reform.
Denomination has no meaning before God. What matters is whether a church receives the Holy Spirit at its centre and surrenders itself to Him. I pose this question to you. ‘Choose whom you shall serve? Will you be able at the end of your life as you prepare to leave this world say as the Psalmist says in chapter 119:30, `I have chosen the way of truth and faithfulness: Your ordinances have I set before me` [Amp Bible].
Dear friend, it is so obvious that there is much more to be said about the ‘Spiritual High Treason’ that is at work even now. But the question remains to be answered by you as the psalmist says. Do not be fooled or suckered into everything and anything you hear or see on television by so-called ministers of the gospel. Check it out if it is in line with the Word of God.
I trust what has been shared in the last of the three [3] part series has been of help to you. We are living in desperate times, and the powers of darkness is going full throttle to ‘deceive many’ as stated in Revelation 12v9.
But thank God Almighty for the promise of victorious power to overcome our adversary as stated in Revelation 12v11.
Many blessings to you all
William [Cook]
Update (04/01/2007):
‘Oprah Winfrey does it again’, is the main story in our newspaper here in South Africa.
Since part three [3] of the ‘Spiritual High Treason’ series was placed on the website, Winfrey has been very busy spreading her ‘new age’ good works gospel here in my country.
On the 02\01\2007 Winfrey opened her, ‘Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls’, in South Africa. Winfrey has once again shown in no uncertain terms her ideal of spreading a ‘new age’ style gospel by doing ‘good works’, for that is all it really is. Isaiah 64:6 clearly states that, `For we have all become like one who is unclean [ceremonially, like a leper], and all our righteousness [our best deeds of rightness and justice] is like filthy rags or a polluted garment; we all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away [far from God’s favour, hurrying us toward destruction…Amp Bible]. So you see folks Miss Oprah can accomplish all these acts of rightness [good works], but they are nothing but filthy rags in the site of a Holy God. Why do I say this? Well first of all the Word of God declares it so, and second she does not acknowledge the one True God who actually makes this all possible. [Read part three [3] of this series concerning this].
Of course to add a little glamour to the occasion Miss Winfrey had the following special guests flown in, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Chris Rock, Baby-face, Quincy Jones and Sidney Poitier. You know them all. And from South Africa former president Nelson Mandela and other VIP’s were also there.
Very full of herself and in my opinion conceited, she made the following statement on television, that her bank-account was strong enough to send any of these young girls [students] who matriculate [graduate with distinction], that they can go and study at any university in the world at her expense.
This statement concerning her ‘bank-account’ reminds me of the rich man of Luke 12, who was also so full of himself, and was in need of nothing and from no-one, but because of his attitude we read in verse 19, ‘And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have much goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry [v19…KJV], `But God said unto him, You fool, this night your soul shall be required of you: then whose shall those things be, which you have provided? [v20…KJV]`
So you see this is what happens when people like Oprah Winfrey spend there riches on so-called righteous acts [good works], for this reason and it is called ‘self-gratification’. And verse 21 says this, `So is he [or she] who lays up treasure for him [or her] self, and is not rich toward God [KJV] In other words these riches which are accumulated are they used for self [selfish reasons], or are they used for the Glory of God. And as stated, Miss Winfrey and others like her do not use there riches for the Glory of God.
What shall it be child of God?
Be blessed in Jesus our Lord.
William Cook.
Footnote concerning Paul [David] Yonggi Cho:
Dear reader, in this last part [3] of the message ‘Spiritual High Treason’, I have made mention of Paul Yonggi Cho and have used some of his remarks from the book he wrote ‘The Apocalyptic Prophecy’. The quotes I used in this message are issues which in the context that they were used I am in agreement [and I believe you will also be]. But I would like to make very clear that in no uncertain terms am I in agreement with all that Yonggi Cho teaches or promotes. After closer examination I have come to the conclusion that his [Yonggi Cho] teachings are a mixture of Biblical teaching and a lot of occult healing, prophesying, visualization, sorcery, and pagan mind-techniques, which is totally in contrast with the Word of God.
Yonggi Cho has written a book, ‘The Fourth Dimension’ which promotes all of the above issues.
So dear reader, to educate yourself more that you will not be misled by these false teachers and their false teachings click onto the following website http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/exposes/cho/general.htm.
Lets not be misled by these false teachers and their false doctrines according to Matthew 7v15, `Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves` , and also 1John 4v1, `Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone into the world`[KJV].
Seek God’s guidance when you are not sure about certain issues that you hear or see, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth concerning His Word. Amen!!
William Cook.
