Additional Series
Prepare Messiah’s Bride: We Are NOT “Little Gods!”
Barbara L. Klika, MSW, Undershepherd, Life Coach
April 2015
A recent contact to us here at Set Apart Ministries led me to consider anew what is happening in some branches of the church, which includes groups that gather under the banner of such phrases as “The Latter Rain Movement” or “The Manifest Sons of God.” One group is called the “New Apostolic Reformation,” which has been described as a co-mingling of Charismatic and Pentacostal believers. “Restoration” is also a keyword often noted by the leadership of such groups. It is really more of a theological bent of interpretation than it is any specific denomination, and it is also apt to note that they do not necessarily all agree among themselves.
The people who contacted us noted involvement with IHOP-KC, International House of Prayer-Kansas City, as the closest thing they had to a congregation, though they were desiring to move toward Messianic perspective and groups. Having heard of the IHOP churches and prayer rooms, but not being current on what was happening there, I began to do some further research. What I found became a part of our community study through the Feast of Unleavened Bread season of gatherings. I have already spoken of the kind of spiritual concerns I have had over several similar ministries for many years and have warned that much of what is taught is experiential and not securely grounded in Biblical Truths. But examining how far it has gone today was quite sad and yet enlightening as to the danger the church is in.
I did not know about their emphasis on preparing the Bride of Messiah and am quite appalled at their interpretations that are NOT at all what we consider Scripturally sound. These teachings are not new but have gained much ground in recent years through the internet and television exposure of very charismatic people in leadership. It is a matter of deep concern as I also see some of the behaviors and theology of these groups making inroads in Messianic circles in America.
I have further understood that some of these people are using a strategy called the G12 Vision. In theory it sounds Biblical; each person can disciple and lead 12 others, while they each gather 12 to disciple and lead. I don’t know if this process was originally intended to be used in this way, but may also include a sort of quiet invasion of existing members and leaders of a church, to bring them out of that organization and into the proposed new one. I now see that this is the process the people who contacted us were using, as they spoke of joining churches, attending small Bible study groups, becoming personal friends with members, beginning to teach a Hebraic perspective and then seeing the people rise up to challenge the current leadership, and hopefully, at some point follow them instead. ( I do not find this an acceptable method of Messianic evangelism, however much I do want to see all Believers to return to the ancient paths. In my eyes, it is deceptive and dangerous. I believe it is different to come to Hebraic understanding and then share it with your existing group, but it is quite another matter to intentionally join multiple churches with this covert agenda.)
As we have walked through the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we experienced our annual reminder of the need to be “set apart” or holy, to not be associated with unclean things, and of the directives to help YHWH’s people understand the difference between what is clean and what is not. Awareness of the form this false teaching has been taking and the phenomenon it involves is a part of our being wise as serpents yet innocent as doves. May it help equip His people to recognize and speak to the concerns as opportunities arise. I believe those who contacted me originally, and quickly dropped out of contact, may have misconstrued our position, thinking that we were in agreement with their perspective.
It has been abundantly clear to me that it is important to state as clearly as possible that although the terminology may sound similar, we do not interpret it or teach these things here at SAM as those associated with such groups teach. As I considered the situation it becomes even more humbling and somewhat frightening to even begin to address the topics. When comparing and contrasting different understandings, to examine for truth, the reader may be triggered by some observations and assume them to be representative of the whole picture, without reading the entire piece. For example, to speak of concerns about the excess or inappropriate things that have been described as the work of the Holy Spirit may cause an assumption that ANY work of the Holy Spirit is denied. On the other hand, to speak of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit may also be assumed to be condoning the experiences that are SAID to be of the Spirit, which we believe are not.
We take neither of those positions, but argue for the ongoing effort to be both thoroughly grounded in the Whole Word of YHWH and open to the genuine working of the Ruach haKodesh/Holy Spirit.
Please see our Mission Statement, Goals Chart and Narrative for further information.
The two main points I intend to address are these:
1. Movement of the Holy Spirit
2. People Do Not Become God/We are not little gods
I will not be able at this time to do an in-depth Scripture study but will refer to relevant passages.
1. Movement of the Holy Spirit
If you are not familiar with the experiential aspects of what happens in churches that are considered to be a part of the “Emergent Church” and perhaps in particular, those involved with the New Apostolic Reformation groups, you would do well to get acquainted with it. There are a number of videos available online that will demonstrate the things that are customary during the gatherings of these ministries, as well as documentaries done by those who are concerned that these experiences are not holy to the God of Israel.
And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. Ezekiel 44:23 KJV
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked,
between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Malachi 3:18 KJV
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,
even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised
to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:14 KJV
Discernment and maturity do seem to go together. As one studies the Word in more depth, the fullness of meaning continues to open up. It is not so much that there is “new” revelation as it is that we have broadened our understanding and see more and more of the thematic connections and wholeness of the complete Word. Our understanding of maturity has to do with bringing all of mind, will and emotions in the physical body under the authority of the Holy Spirit, and to be growing relationally and able to handle difficult circumstances in a YHWH honoring way. See Barb’s Hand Teaching PowerPoint here on this page http://www.set-apart-ministries.org/audioanddvdteachings.html for further information. You may also see more of how we understand these things in the PowerPoint near the top left of our home page, about what it means to be Set Apart.
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ:
Ephesians 4:15
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again
which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of
milk, and not of strong meat.
Hebrews 5:12
In these movements influencing many popular churches or internet ministries, in depth study of the Word is not encouraged. It is customary to use verses from Scripture throughout their teachings, yetoften in a misleading way. Sadly, it is not customary in most churches or Messianic fellowships to also address the topic of maturity and relational growth. There is much on this topic all through our main website as it is a central concern for us.
As you read on, please keep in mind that I have worked with people coming out of satanic ritual abuse and witchcraft since the early 90s. I believe I am well aware of both the activity of the Holy Spirt as people find release, and the ungodly workings of unholy spirits. As a clinical social worker, I have also spent 30 years studying and working with people who need differentiation between what might be a mental health diagnosis and/or a spiritual issue. It is often a fine line, but needs to be considered so that the correct approach is taken.
Some of these same issues were seen with a man who had been with us for nearly a year. He has also read and studied the Word in great depth, yet we saw that the interpretations he made were more akin to the supernatural manifestations that are seen in the “hyperpentacostal” movements. This man believed that he experienced the Spirit as energy coursing through him to the point that he could not maintain control of his body, and would often jump and spin in a way that he couldn’t direct or stop, at one point causing damage to his surroundings and unable to hold his hands steady enough to hold a beverage, all the while insisting this was the Holy Spirit. He has alienated most of his family and friends with this behavior over some time. He further thought that his spiritual eyes/the third eye, had been opened through use of hallucinogen drugs that he initially recommended was a good idea for all believers to try in order to expand their spiritual understanding. Though we spoke with him many times about our concerns with these practices and experiences as being too closely related to witchcraft, he remained convinced it was the Spirit.
We do not believe that the Holy Spirit causes people to behave in erratic ways such as seizure or epileptic type responses as is seen in videos of the “worship gatherings” provided by these groups. We do not believe that using repetitive music as a vehicle to put people in an altered state of consciousness is synonymous with genuine passionate worship of the God of Israel. While we share some of the same exuberance, our worship music is nearly all straight from the Scriptures, facilitating memorization. Our use of banners is a personal expression and extension, not for performance or visual appeal. Nor do we believe that the Holy Spirit is to be equated with quantum physics and the experience of various types of energy and certainly not with the use of mantras and chakra points on the body.
We want to affirm that we believe it is crucial to have sound knowledge of the Word, perhaps best obtained while in Torah relationship with a community, in order not to be taken astray through a focus on bodily experiences only.
People Do Not Become God/We are not little gods
According to people of this doctrinal persuasion, perhaps best titled as the “Manifest Sons of God” doctrine, there is a Militant Bride of special young people gifted to grow up to become Messiah to Fight Evil. Corresponding to this teaching is the belief that Messiah will not need to return bodily because these people become Messiah. It is clear how appealing such a teaching can be to those who desire to belong and have some kind of position of authority!
When we at Set Apart Ministries discuss the need to mature unto Messiah, we are talking about the sanctification process that continues for one who believes and is growing in knowledge of the Word and in personal and relational maturity. Consider part of our mission statement:
But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a
great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and
afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had
compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in
yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Hebrews 10:32-34
This process goes on through both individual and corporate experiences that take us through challenges and afflictions, bringing us to greater submission before our Elohim and deeper humility. We are NOT referring to the idea that certain people have been endowed with gifts that will enable them to grow and mature to literally, physically BECOME Messiah, the Body of Christ on earth. Please consider thearticles in our series on: Preparing Mesiah’s Bride; here is one on the aspect of being built up together, and another on affliction; and see our emphasis on the sanctification process which occurs through affliction to humble His people and prepare us to join with and under His command at the end of the age. He is the Commander, we are but His servants.
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord
cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince
all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly
committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against
him. Jude 14-15
It was especially disturbing to see a video of Mr. Kenneth Copeland, declaring that: “Whenever I see “I AM,” I just smile and say, ‘Yes, I am, too.” A realization as to why the leadership in these groups do not necessarily agree is because each one claims their own godhood in one way or another. Their declaration of who is viewed as a prophet is confirmed by others among their group passing on this office or confirming it in others, which appears to be a self-contained process, without clear lines of accountability before THE Elohim of Israel. I saw video of Mr. Copeland discussing with Paul Crouch, now deceased, that they are “little gods” because of their covenant relationship with God. There is confusion and misinterpretation about the term “Sons of God,” bene Elohim, which deserves an entire study on its own. Suffice it to say, it does NOT mean that we are transformed into God at some point. This is a form of eastern teaching, monism or pantheism, teaching that creator and creation are all one in essence, which is most clearly not what the Scriptures teach. Heaven and earth will one day pass away, but the Word of our Elohim, and Elohim Himself is eternal.
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31 AND Luke 21: 33 KJV
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts;
I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
Isaiah 44:6 KJV
There is so much more to be said but time is short right now. Please do consider these things and be in touch with us at SAM if you have further questions or concerns. Kumi ori, Yeshua!
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be
preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV
Preparing_messiah_s_Bride_-_Not_little_gods_April_2015.pdf