A plea to all those who believe and follow these teachers and their teachings!
This work has been put together to serve a single purpose which is to demonstrate that those who peddle push these people as great teachers of the faith are in error. They have been deceived for so long by the bad theology that he espouses__ that they have no earthly idea what the bible truly teaches. Based on one united fact, none of his “sermons” actually focus on what they should; which of course, is being totally based on the bible. It is to be seen as the central focus of every sermon; the man of God as Paul say in 2 Timothy 3: 17 is to correctly handle the word of truth in an ex-positional and exegetical fashion.
Such a poor and careless fashion that is evidenced by every single “sermon” he has done in the last 15 years should course some alarms to ring. There is no justification to do what Joel continues to do and that is pollute the word of God (the little he quotes) with ungodly human philosophical notions as he has for such a long time. We have to bare in mind, it is not how much one quotes in a sermon that is the issue; it is in fact, the manner he quotes it (to be more direct, the translation: the message) and the application that one applies to the text.
When it comes to the role of the pastor, it is clear just how the bible instructs them to maintain both their family life and their church life. And as a pastors, they do not have any say in how they will preach, nor on what they will preach to those under their pastoral care. We at this point must take note of Paul's qualifications for the office of the elder/pastor:
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
The point we must consider in this in text is in the phrase: able to teach, from this we need to only look at Paul's other letters on the pastoral office; and when we do we find that it refers to the scriptures for example in 2 Timothy 2:1-2, 14-16 and 4:1-2. “preach the word .. in season and out of season, and teach other to do the same.” It to be nothing more than this, and nothing less.
The whole issue comes down to a deep issue of disobedience to the Lord by ignoring the only thing that he has given to the church. In which he demands his overseers to preach with passion, to preach in its fullness, to let it come alive in the people who are in your midst. And it is such a deadly error that needs to dealt with in a detail fashion to make it clear that it is all the bible or nothing at all... nothing can be added and nothing can taken away.
Below I have provided a list important points which John MacArthur came up with in a sermon called “The consequences of non- expositional preaching,” which I feel aptly applies in this matter at hand:
1--- It usurps the authority of God over the mind and soul of the listener/hearer.
At the heart of this issue, lies the first destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies usurps the authority of God. What I refer to the the central theme of Joel's messages do not bring God the ultimate glory for all he has done in the process of creation and redemption of fallen man. Instead, it puts forth the idea that man being the sovereign over his life and God being a mere spectator who is handicap to man's whims.
The bible makes it very clear that God is sovereign over all things regardless of any kind of subjective opinion of these false teachers. And man is clearly dead in sin, unable to exercise repentance and faith until God by his Spirit inwardly operates upon the chosen ones in Christ. Lets consider here 3 biblical themes:
1) God is absolute sovereign: all things run concert to his divine decree and ultimately has it's foundation in his purposes. None can thwart his determined will, it is all contingent on his good will and overall purpose
2) God has no equal in heaven or earth: no matter how these people speak; they are just sinful human who have been deceived in a deadly error, that being they are themselves believing that they are mini-gods.
3) It is all for his glory: ultimately the bible tells us that all things (good, bad and ugly) have a unique purpose in bringing God glory. In this we see a few clear examples of how this is case in genesis 50, Isaiah 10, acts 4. But not all events are clear in their application.
2--- It usurps the Lordship of Christ over his church.
The second destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies usurps the Lordship of Christ. In this I mean that the message of such a person lack any real substantive understanding of who Christ is and how he rules over the church. This is something that is vacant in much of Christendom; but specifically in these “churches.”
All true Christians are under his Lordship are told to “take up your cross, follow me,” which has relevance in this issue for it teaches to deny ourselves and be totally dependant on the Lord as our only hope, our only truth. This theme is even in marriage, family and social masters and slaves is based on the submission to Christ. There are 3 things we need to note:
1) Christ demands full submission: in this I mean he has to be the full breadth of your existence and not to be relegated to a side show. To put in terms of the service, he is to be the central focus of the teaching from scriptures rather than a footnote at the end of a service. Where you say “if you have made Christ the Lord of your life, I invite to do so .. now I believe you got yourself born again.”
2) Christ is master over his believers: this is a non -negotiable truth which is basis the foundation of the his headship of the church. It is important to make it clear it does not advocate a works based ideal; it is a trust based thought that is central. The terms believe and faith are essential in this they gifts which God permits to the person through regeneration.
3) Christ demands submission in the family: this is an important part of Christ's Lord-ship, that being his headship over the the husband and wife and the whole family. It is vital to fully understand that Christ's headship and his lord-ship are interlinked; and when it comes to the daily living of a true believer they must be submitting to Christ in all areas.
3--- It hinders the work of the Holy Spirit.
The third destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies usurps the “work of the Holy Spirit.” In that due to the fact, that what much what is claim as Christian teaching in these area's is directly related the Charismatic invasion and the non-biblical exaggerations of the work of the holy Spirit. It is rendered as being blasphemous.
It is assumed that what is being perpetrated in the Charismatic circles is in fact the work of the Spirit; such phenomenon as speaking in tongue, giving prophetic word and vision, and healing are still thing that God is doing in this day and age. But it is all based on emotionalism and fanciful appeals with no tangible biblical backing. Now not all these things are evidence in Joel's sermon in a demonstrative form, but nevertheless, it is being spoken in a the form of word of faith idealisms. There are 3 points to consider:
1) The Spirits role does not draw attention to himself as the main focus, rather, he seeks to point us to Christ as our only true hope of salvation. Therefore, the idea that he would do something thaat can be easily seen as a false witness to his character is one evidence that such people do not have the true spirit of God but a demonic Spirit.
2) The Spirits role does not concern given false and futile words to men that turn out to be folly. He main function is glorify Christ in and through us by sanctification, and conformity to Christ's likeness. Any teaching which does not have this purpose in mind when it comes to the work of the Spirit is a sure reality of a false teacher.
3) The role of the spirit also has at the basis of his work with the believer the illumination of the Word of God. In other words, the spirit takes the word and brings it's life into a believer walk. It is open to them for correct teaching and living through the correct application. And he does not course a preacher to contradict the very words he communicated to the apostles in the bible.
4--- Manifests a lack of submission to scriptures.
The fourth destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies “manifests a lack of submission to the scriptures.” This is the inherent issue that arise out of this mindset, the teachers are guilty of not giving the congregation the true spiritual food to supplement them in their whole life as a “Christian” and unfortunately they come away with some deadly beliefs about who they are and what they can do.
Something in this “lack of submission” is seen in many ways such as lying, steeling, adulterous behaviours, disobedience to parents, and claiming that there are many gods. And this is possibly some of the worst thing that can take place from such a focus. And yet, still a worse thing happens that far surpasses all of this …. these men blaspheme God's Spirit by their continual abuse his very word. There are 3 thing that need to be seen:
1) Submission to the scripture: protects the believer from egregious error on both doctrines and living; when one rests in the sure foundation of God's word knowing that it is the final authority and that it is the standard on what is right and wrong then the believer can have confidence that God has given him all that is needed for a godly life.
2) Submission to the scripture: gives us assurance that God is who says he is and won't ever change his mind on any issue pertaining to what he has promised in the bible. If he continues to give revelation which can be fallible meaning incorrect, errant meaning it can be mistaken on things then it calls into question God's past revelation.
3) Submission to the scripture:guarantees us a sure line of divide on what is to be true scriptural revelation and false scriptural revelation. Once the scripture is view as something that can be supplemented by addition and further revealed truth (even if it contradicts); then the door is open to all kinds of thoughts and questions about other “revelations and their validity.”
5--- Severs the preachers from the sanctifying grace of scriptures.
The fifth destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies “severs the preachers from sanctifying grace,” which comes through a continual application of studying the scriptures. The nature of this matter is very serious one indeed; for the study effectively courses the preacher to grow in the same manner that a practical application of scripture does when it is taught in an exegetical and expositional fashion. In this I am not saying that it is a self growth but that continually blesses the preacher and enable him grow in grow.
When we consider much of what Joel teaches in what is classed as “sermons” we see a man is totally spiritually deceived, and has this self righteous attitude which he panders of as being Godly .. it can be seen in the fact that when he puts out promotional videos and books; he has to caveat it with a statement like “ I know it will work for you because it worked for me and my family” as if to say he is the measure of all truth. This leads to 3 important truths:
1) The sanctifying grace of scriptures protects the believers and pastors fro evil spirit that mask themselves as gracious works of light. Only the scriptures gives us the necessary application for detecting spirits of truth from spirits of error; and it is vital that we become one with scripture (one, in the sense that it lives in us).
2) The sanctifying grace of scriptures leads us into what is a godly attitude of self sacrifice rather than self righteousness. It does this in a number in depth ways it acts as our armour, it tears down all the enemies attacks on us and through it equips up for every good work. But above all, it does what it does because it is God's truth about who we are in Christ.
3) The sanctifying grace of scriptures provides us with a clear passage into Christ's kingdom, as we are conformed into his image; become more and more holy: hating what is evil and loving what is good. And by the work of the spirit brings us alive in the word we are granted and guaranteed entrance in the eternal king as co-heirs.
6--- Removes spiritual depth and transcendence from souls of the people.
The sixth destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies, “removes spiritual depth and transcendence from the souls of the people.” In other words, when you are being led to believe that the teaching of Joel are biblically sound; in despite the evidence to contrary that has been given by Christ's slaves around the world. Those under his care are inevitably “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths”
This is a major, major problem within these kinds of “congregations” who have no clue about what the bible actually teaches. Like itching ear, they only want what they have become preconditioned towards and as a result of this they cling to anything which sounds positive in their hearts; even to the point of the very destructiveness that is inherent in such a teaching due to the fact that it is not biblically founded. There are 3 issues to consider:
1) Shallow preaching removes spiritual depth: although one of these people will claim to be Christians; their lives will ultimately reveal that truth is not evidence by spiritual fruits. Such things as false promise of “if you prayed this prayer, then you have just gotten born again” does not give a clear understanding of the process, neither does it mean such is the case.
2) Shallow preaching removes spiritual depth: They will not have a sure foundation that's able to stand against all tribulations of false teachings; in fact, it will be far worse they believe their strong in the “faith” they claim to have but will ultimately be sinking in the sands of deception. It is such a common link in all these types of “churches” that are false.
3) Sallow preaching removes spiritual depth: leads to a further ignorance in what is necessary to be built up in the most holy faith. That is sound teaching from the bible which leads to sound living and spiritual growth; apart of this is that were to be spiritual discerner’s: people who are able to distinguish between that which is true and that which is false.... when pure biblical truths are consistently being pushed aside it leads to foolishness being proclaimed as if it were the
7--- Prevents the preacher from fully speaking for Christ to the souls of the people.
The seventh destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies, “prevents the preacher from fully speaking for Christ” this is the by far the most serious thing since the bible makes it clear that the pastor/ elder must be Christ's voice on earth; in the sense that the man must proclaim every word that the bible states. As Paul makes it clear “preach Christ and him crucified.” that is the only duty of a Pastor.
The Christian faith has been build on the immoveable and unalterable truth as found in acts 3, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” In this verse, we have the clear and straight forth manner in which Christ's church from day 1 till the end of time should be focused on Christ through being taught what the scriptures teach. There are 3 things that need to be seen:
1) Prevents the preacher from fully speaking for Christ: the lack of clear bible expositional teaching leads to life of willing sinfulness. Thinking they are saved based on some superficial standard of being told it; when in fact, they are still inherently unregenerate sinner living a lie.
2) Prevents the preacher from fully speaking for Christ: the lack of any real substantive doctrinal clarification either on moral judgements or salvific foundations which are the very heart of the Gospel. These matters must be proclaimed loud and clear-- no compromise.
3) Prevents the preacher from fully speaking for Christ: reveals the fact, that no matter what they say or do in order to sound like they are in the faith and believe in Christ. The end result is this: Christ is not being honoured in such teaching; and on top of this, Christ is not even in the presence of this man.
8--- Depreciates by example the benefits of studying the scriptures.
The eighth destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies, “depreciates by example the benefits of studying the scriptures,” this is one of central focus' of true Christians who seek to have true growth in Christ. We must understand how this application plays out in our journey; the deeper we go into the scripture s, the more we have confidence. Young Timothy was commending for his studying of the scripture in 2 Timothy 3 14-15.
Taking Timothy as one such example, or the noble Bereans in act 17 as another we have a very challenging task to accomplish. And this is seen a universal command for all believers regardless. This is to be something that the pastor be willing, must love the joy of allowing the scripture form the basis of all his beliefs-- and in turn these thing we must pass on in the position we find ourselves in: Pastors preach it as an official minister of Christ. Father's teach their children the faith in a fundamental family structure. There are 2 things that are vital in this:
1) The benefits of studying the scriptures: brings us to a full understand that God is sovereign over all things in creation, in as much as he is in salvation. To intimately know the scriptures is to understand God is holy being; and every man, women and child is a sinner: they are depraved and dead in sin (spiritual deadness). And it is to know that God is both just in punishing the wicked and is merciful in extending grace to a undeserving people.
2) The benefits of studying the scriptures: creates a balance and unity among all the believers with in terms of all doctrinal truths. Knowing that “ with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” this is the foundation that unites, that bonds and breathes into our lives a confidence of the great hope of full redemption in glorification.
3) The benefits of studying the scriptures: helps us understand the true importance of a purity between members of the family; as it points to the greater reality of the eternal union and reconciliation of a people to God. Family is the heart of God's over-all determined plan... first in the marriage realm: husband and wife are very important terms which God has both an earthly reality, and a heavenly reality with Christ and the church..
9--- Breads the congregation weak and indifferent to the glory of God.
The ninth destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies, “Breads the congregation weak and indifferent to the glory of God,” it is right here that the problem of false teaching and scripture twisting inevitably leads the people under the pastor's care. They are ultimately full of non-spiritual, non believer who believer they are safe in God but are lost in their sinfulness. And one of the main results of such a teaching is that such people will be hostile towards the correction that may come; they are often hard of heart and unwilling to listen to what Christ and the apostle have to say.
The word of God paint such a manner in a great way; it is really straight to the point: “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,” such a false teaching leads to this attitude.
It is this kind of shallow very of God that leads to the wild kind of beliefs about how God acts in the lives of his creation: God glory produce a high view of sovereignty and that means everything in creation at God control. In that we are at his disposal for his own purposes of glory through redemption and glory through his just judgement. Whereas the flimsy understanding of Joels god is a mere spectator, a impotent being who has to wait on the sovereign creation to to invoke him and then he can act on man already determine desires.
10--- Robs people of their only true source of help
The tenth destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies, “Robs people of their only true source of help” by ignoring the biblical text, and continually turning to some unhelpful human philosophical, psychological foundation as the means of finding a way to bring a result into existence. Such people are being deceived and misled into a dangerous area where demons lie in wait for your acceptance.
The bible is clear that the regenerating work and the sanctifying work of the spirit; of whom frees us from our old self and making application of Christ's saving work into our lives, continually conforming us to his image and likeness day by day, week by week. Until the final day when Christ returns. Next, we must understand the word of God has the only correct diagnosis of the human condition; we are not basically good people make the wrong choice as people think. The real verdict is this we are born sinners, depraved in every area of humanity.
The bible gives us this important section, which needs to be considered in this point. Notice the words, “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
In other words, the problems one encounters in life as unregenerate sinners; only listen to the diagnosis of other sinners about what they are facing. The reality has been seen man before God is a sinful human; not merely mentally unstable thought that may be a manifestation of the really issue, it itself is not the problem: you are BORN A SINNER, the cure is REDEMPTION IN CHRIST.
11--- Creates a destructive disconnect between sound doctrine and living.
The eleventh destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies, “creates a destructive disconnect between sound doctrine and living” the official terms are orthodox y and orthopraxy; but it is an evidenced fact, that when a “church” fails to not give its total time to the preaching and teaching of correct biblical doctrine. In this we must see that every doctrinal truth the declare must be seen as vital to the body (not just a few favourite or key ones); our growth comes from being taught the truth of all doctrines.
And it must be seen that sound doctrine is the basis of the faith being what it is; and it is the very thing that leads to sound living. We have two biblical book give us this pattern in the clearest and most beautiful manner. The first book is that of Romans... where we have 11 chapters laying out the doctrinal standards for us and then in the last 5 chapter is devoted to sound Christian living. The second book is Ephesians … where we have the first 3 chapters giving us the sound doctrine; then we have 3 chapters giving us the sound living. There are 3 points that need to seen in this:
1) the first destructive disconnect: is seen in how they describe the being of God, the bible teaches us that God is one in being and has existed as 3 distinct persons. (the trinity) and then we also have another issue of how they teach God works: a mere spectator who is powerless to act in his creation with our say so. The bible teaches that God is sovereign over all and does not need our input to do what he does.
2) the second destructive disconnect: is seen in the fact that such people have understanding of doctrines such as doctrines pertaining to salvation, heaven and hell, man's condition due to the fall of man in Adam, biblical view of earthly marriage and heavenly marriage, Christ's headship of the church and the husband and father's head ship over the wife and his family And how all these things are inter-related.
3) the third destructive disconnect: is the fact that such people are lead to believe some cheep form of religious practice as if it were Christian lives. It is a mere misrepresentation based on ignorance of the truths that form the basis of Christian living. Consider one scripture on this matter, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” the correct balance is that these two things are parallel. In other words, as God is working in and through the believer conforming us to Christ, the doctrines of grace, justification are being made alive in our daily lives.
12--- Dishonours God by omitting these truths that troubles, offends, and terrifies sinners.
The twelfth destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies, “dishonours God by omitting these truths that troubles, offends and terrifies sinners” this is a problem due to the lack of biblical reading, study and teaching that focus on all the key truths that form the basis of the reality of the faith. And it main foundation is the lack of knowing the bible on the a biblical basis such as sola scriptura (scripture alone is the final authority) and tota scriptura (that all truths believed on must be seen in the fuller flow of scripture).
Unfortunately, when this manner of preaching and teaching which is the biblical parameter for the church; the church is mention to get a healthy and steady flow of all scripture proclaims. Truths about God, truth about salvation, truth about sin is and it's devastating effects on man. This is only accomplished through rightly handling the bible: Teaching the distinction of law and gospel... this mean spending time in the books of law, the books of history, the prophetic and poetic book, and then the gospels, acts and the epistles.
By omitting vital biblical truths, by not concerning a sermon on the negative passages which deal with believers who sin; such as acts 5, much of 1 Corinthians, Galatians 2. we are not only dishonouring God through such acts, we are also are doing ourselves as believers a injustice. Just how is this possible, well, it is because when we do not cover passages which teach on the “negative” actions in order for us to understand the holiness of God and just how God deals with such cases of believers in sin.
13--- Disconnect people from the legacy of the past
The thirteenth destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies, “disconnect people from the legacy of the past” this one has it's roots in the single fact, this movement can not be legitimately traced to the days of the apostles; it is only assumed based on shoddy understanding of the text of scripture. It in fact, has it roots in the 20th century, 1901 to be precise, then it's resurgence in the late 50's-early 60's.
Not only is a relatively new phenomena within the church in this manner; it has it roots in paganism, and other false religions. When it comes to finding scripture to back something up like what these people do; it is only based on select verses misquoted and misapplied.
What happens when the church does not base it's truth on the scripture primarily; and writing of other Godly men secondarily … your understanding drifts into a place of great deceit. Now this is not to say Godly men don't get it wrong from time to time; but if and when it does, they are to be sincere in their hearts about it and confess their errors to God and the people. This is what is missing in these Charismatic-word of faith movements. It is a lack of sorrowful repentance.
14--- Removes protection from error that is deadly to the church.
The fourteenth destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies, “removes protection from error that is deadly to the church” a common theme in much of this perverted movement is it's uncanny belief that it can 'bind Satan' this is the worse kind of teaching that ever come to light. Such a belief lacks any real biblical support. And even worse, it assumes to speak these kinds of teaching come directly from God. But it gets worse when we realise that these people are not true Christians and continue to believe such is the case.
It is such spiritually naïve individuals who unaware are under consistent attack from spiritual deceit. One of the most obvious give a ways is how much one speaks about themselves, and how little they speak of Christ. There are two primary ways a church can protect itself from evil attacks. Firstly, by having a sound theological stance which is based on biblical truth. Secondly, by have sound defence based on the biblical truths.
As we know the church (lit. the called out ones) are to be pure for it represents her Lord and master; just in the same way a wife is to represent her husband by not mixing with impure and sinful practices. And like a loving husband would do what ever it take to protect his wife from such things; Christ has promise to protect us his “called out ones” from all evil, from al impurity, from all manners of perverse teaching and thoughts. And he does this though the work of the spirit and the the direct application of the bible. The only way God has promise to his own people.
15--- Deceives people that they heard from God when they haven't
The fifteenth destructive error which is the fact, that the word of faith, prosperity gospel heresies, “deceives people into thinking that they heard from God when they haven't,” in the Charismatic – pentecostal seen this is a major element that need to recognised; it is a false impression because they are being deceive and not aware of it. It becomes a very serious when the bible is either ignored in favour of “new” revelations which are nothing but folly. Or they manhandle the bible for support for their false hood.
One of the most common argument is 'tongues are for today as the bible make it clear in 1 Corinthians 14: 1-2 which states,
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit
Granted this does not directly apply to all of these preachers, but nevertheless most of this ilk, his flock are all known for such things being the centre of their beliefs. And since he has recently started claiming that God has given him prophecy. But on a more wider note it is important to note what the chapter prior says about these things:
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13: 8-12
The message that Paul leaves the church(s) at Corinthians is that the unity of believers is based on love of Christ and fellow believers and not some “miraculous” attestation as it's unique stamp and sign of approval. Notice that Paul says “As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.” This shows us that the manner of these gifts had a limited span of use. And a even more unique purpose: that of being the duration of the apostles. And then for the establishment of the church and attestation of the truth of the gospel message. And since these thing have been accomplished; there truly no purpose for them to be in the visible church today.
And what about chapter 14; well there is a good reason why there is not reason to assume a application in this day and age; whereby we as Christ will be enabled to do the same thing as that of the apostles and people in that time period. Paul was dealing with a false use of the gifts in that church. Where they were more than likely uttering nonsensical gibberish rather than what tongue actually are “human languages.” Hence, the requirement of an interpreter to give the precise meaning to those present who spoke other tongues.
Consider what these verse teach us, “to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues ,” only a human language needs to be interpreted to those who do not speak the language and this is why in acts 2 peter interpreted or to be more precise on the matter he translated it to all in the hearers. And a more important factor is found in these words, “Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.” it is therefore, important to note that Prophecy or expounding on that which already revealed is for the benefit of the congregation; while tongue (known languages) are only beneficial to the unbelievers. Meaning that the Charismatics are not being biblical on this matter but are falsely interpreting the truth.
A Final Word
It needs to be said, that when it comes to such obvious false teacher such this man the best thing that can be done; is for all those understand his care to up and and read the bible, study the bible and out him as a false teacher. Who like many other has an ulterior motive and that is to sell himself as the central focus of the faith.
For it will only get worse in accords to the longer one stays under such foolishness; which is proclaimed to be the truth of God, every-time he finish his little mantra with these words, “Today I will be taught the word of God.” It is hard to get away from the single most damning piece of evidence against him and that is his very own opening statement with these above words at the end. Notice what Apostle Paul states in Galatians 1 :6-10:
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
As Paul makes it abundantly clear people like Joel are distorting the gospel through a continuous effort of twisting the scripture to fit an already preconditioned view he holds too; one that the biblical text nowhere speaks too. This is a clear evidence of a false teacher if there ever was one, and this means that all his devoted believers must forsake him and flee his falsehood. Then turn to the one who can set you free – Jesus Christ.
