This is such a widespread problem in the church today, that, as I wrote before, it is difficult to know where to start. On this page I will have links and resources specifically focused on certain churches, organizations, ministries, movements and leaders. These are, in most cases, all tied together and have many teachings and doctrines in common. Most of them are part of what has come to be known as the "New Apostolic Reformation" (NAR). I encourage you to do your own research into everything shared here, do not simply take what I (or others) say as absolute truth, but search the Scriptures and pray about all you read and hear.
What is important to note, is that there are common themes/focuses in these churches, ministries, organizations and movements. There is, for example, a huge emphasis on "revivals", "experiences", "encounters" and having a "special annointing" or "impartation" from God. While there is a lot of Biblical truth to be found in these churches, this is what makes these ministries all the more frightening, dangerous and deceptive. (After all, deception is not always easy to see, and Satan himself knows the Scriptures).
In Matthew 24, Jesus tells his disciples what to be paying attention to and looking for as the end draws near, and some of the signs include false messiahs and false prophets who will "perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.". (Matthew 24:3-28) Scripture also warns that Satan "masquerades as an angel of light". In 2 Corinthians 11:1-15, Paul is warning the church in Corinth that there are "false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ." Paul writes that these false apostles preach a different Jesus, a different Spirit or a different gospel that many Christians may choose to accept and receive as genuine. I truly believe that this is happening within much of the church today. (And again, please understand that I do not say this to judge or condemn, but because we are warned to stay away from these things, to watch out for them and to warn others).
Even if a person, a church, a ministry or an organization uses the name of Jesus and proclaims that what they say and do is in His name, that does not mean their words or their work is from Him or for Him. (And this will include some who do miracles, cast out demons and prophesy in the name of Jesus) Jesus says in Matthew 7:15-20:
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."
Jesus very clearly warns that not all who come in His name are truly serving Him. (Matthew 7:15-20) (Matthew 24:5) And when God judges all people, it will be revealed that not everyone who did things in the name of Jesus was truly serving Him or sent by Him.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord', will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ' Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!''" - Matthew 7:21-23
It is very important that we understand that this verse makes it clear that just because someone claims to come in the name of Jesus, that doesn't mean they do. Unfortunately, it is just not as simple as looking to see or listening to hear if the person, church, organization or ministry uses the name of Jesus and claims they are doing their work for Him. How I wish it was. Sadly, many who say they are giving God the glory and doing things in His name, are not and will not being doing so. (Even when there seems to be genuine healing and miracles, or "signs" and "wonders") It is very likely that many of these people will truly believe that what they are doing is for Jesus and by His name, this is why Jesus warned that even "the elect" could possibly be deceived.
We must carefully study the word of God and seek discernment in all things. The "fruits" of ministries, churches, organizations and individuals must be closely examined in light of God's inspired word. I pray that each and every Christian does so. Please do not simply accept that something(or someone) is from God just because one person (or many) claim it/they are. Instead, please carefully read and study the Bible, praying that God would protect you, your loved ones and Christians around the world from all such deception. The spiritual battle we face is very real, and when you face hardships and difficulties, remember Jesus' words to His disciples regarding the trials they would face:
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
What is important to note, is that there are common themes/focuses in these churches, ministries, organizations and movements. There is, for example, a huge emphasis on "revivals", "experiences", "encounters" and having a "special annointing" or "impartation" from God. While there is a lot of Biblical truth to be found in these churches, this is what makes these ministries all the more frightening, dangerous and deceptive. (After all, deception is not always easy to see, and Satan himself knows the Scriptures).
In Matthew 24, Jesus tells his disciples what to be paying attention to and looking for as the end draws near, and some of the signs include false messiahs and false prophets who will "perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.". (Matthew 24:3-28) Scripture also warns that Satan "masquerades as an angel of light". In 2 Corinthians 11:1-15, Paul is warning the church in Corinth that there are "false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ." Paul writes that these false apostles preach a different Jesus, a different Spirit or a different gospel that many Christians may choose to accept and receive as genuine. I truly believe that this is happening within much of the church today. (And again, please understand that I do not say this to judge or condemn, but because we are warned to stay away from these things, to watch out for them and to warn others).
Even if a person, a church, a ministry or an organization uses the name of Jesus and proclaims that what they say and do is in His name, that does not mean their words or their work is from Him or for Him. (And this will include some who do miracles, cast out demons and prophesy in the name of Jesus) Jesus says in Matthew 7:15-20:
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."
Jesus very clearly warns that not all who come in His name are truly serving Him. (Matthew 7:15-20) (Matthew 24:5) And when God judges all people, it will be revealed that not everyone who did things in the name of Jesus was truly serving Him or sent by Him.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord', will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ' Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!''" - Matthew 7:21-23
It is very important that we understand that this verse makes it clear that just because someone claims to come in the name of Jesus, that doesn't mean they do. Unfortunately, it is just not as simple as looking to see or listening to hear if the person, church, organization or ministry uses the name of Jesus and claims they are doing their work for Him. How I wish it was. Sadly, many who say they are giving God the glory and doing things in His name, are not and will not being doing so. (Even when there seems to be genuine healing and miracles, or "signs" and "wonders") It is very likely that many of these people will truly believe that what they are doing is for Jesus and by His name, this is why Jesus warned that even "the elect" could possibly be deceived.
We must carefully study the word of God and seek discernment in all things. The "fruits" of ministries, churches, organizations and individuals must be closely examined in light of God's inspired word. I pray that each and every Christian does so. Please do not simply accept that something(or someone) is from God just because one person (or many) claim it/they are. Instead, please carefully read and study the Bible, praying that God would protect you, your loved ones and Christians around the world from all such deception. The spiritual battle we face is very real, and when you face hardships and difficulties, remember Jesus' words to His disciples regarding the trials they would face:
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)