Appearances Can Be Deceiving
I believe in the supernatural power of God. I have experienced it many times throughout my life. And the Bible verifies that we serve a living and mighty Savior, Deliverer, and Healer. I am not a cessationist. Yet, I also understand that every claim of miraculous healings or signs isn't always as it may appear. Jesus warned us it would happen.
Matthew 24:24 KJV For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
The New Apostolic Reformation influencers have many examples of "so called miracles" from God. Some are obviously ridiculous and counterfeit, and others more shadowy and its hard to determine the truth about them. Why is this so important to their movement? It makes them look credible to their followers. After all they are 'so called' apostles of Christ and are expected to have power like Paul and those in the New Testament. Yet isn't it odd that these same 21st Century apostles don't want to share in their hardships or persecutions! Instead, they need to be popular with the world and ride in multi-million dollar jets. Etcetera.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV 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.
Often things that appear good on the surface have evil origins. Remember how the serpent(Satan) beguiled Eve? How did he do it? He twisted God's Word into a lie she wanted to believe. (It has been said that a half-truth is more dangerous than a complete lie.) He convinced her that she would know real freedom and power by disobeying God. After Adam listened to Eve they became powerless and slaves to sin.
2Co 11:3 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.
And so mankind lost its innocence and paradise at the same time. Thank God that's not the end of all hope! The redemption story was soon revealed-the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, Satan didn't give up. In these last days he has a myriad of ministers of unrighteousness spreading heretical doctrines and feigning great miracles for the purpose of deception and corruption of the true gospel.
The following verses describe many of the so called apostles, teachers, and preachers of the NAR:
Jude 1:3.4 KJV Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (4) For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
(11) Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
If we are going to fight for the "faith" according to Gods' Word (not the NAR's definition) then we can't be like Cain who was presumptuous or self-willed, giving a sacrifice contrary to what God expected of him.
Hebrews 11:4 KJV By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
Neither can we be like Balaam who tempted God's people to lust after things contrary to godliness.
Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Nor can we be as Korah(Core) who opposed Moses and Aaron, the leaders of the Israelites-which caused rebellion in the midst of God's people.
Numbers 16
We need to be diligent in studying the Bible for ourselves. Knowing the truth will help us to discern counterfeit or false doctrines when we hear them. Romans 16:17 tells us to mark them that cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine. And sometimes we need to "name names". Just as Paul did long ago:
2 Timothy 2:15- Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (16) But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (17) And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; (18) Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
To give you an up close view of what is wrong with this False gospel(NAR) please read the following testimony at https://bereanresearch.org/leaving-nar-church-olivias-story/ She shares her experience with Hillsong also.
