Today's Great Deception Built on the Deception of the 80's and 90's

Where did a lot of the present day thought and activity in the church world come from and what did the men of today, watch on "Christian TV" in the 80's and 90's?

Looking back, evidence that the religious realm cannot tell the difference between good and evil or what's spiritual and what is fleshly is displayed on television. For example, a leading Christian Broadcasting Network used to have a channel called the Family Channel which ran movies that showed love scenes, killing and violence (just like secular networks) and called themselves spiritual. There was a ministry based in Rockwall, TX and whose pastor was investigated by a news magazine TV show for mishandling money that was given to orphan children. The ministry called themselves the POWER TEAM and would have people believe that breaking chains and breaking concrete blocks with karate chops and breaking huge slabs of ice with their heads is Spiritual.

I read in the Bible of a man who could not be restrained with chains because he was demon possessed.

Another prominent minister based in Dallas, TX., was caught receiving information from a microphone hidden behind his ear and saying the Lord was speaking to him about the people in the audience. When exposed and confronted with this he said that this activity had Spiritual value.

CHURCHES everywhere spent millions building huge meeting places while thousands of people living near these "Family Life Centers" were in poverty both spiritually and in the natural. These churches did this because they considered large numbers in attendance and new and expensive buildings to be a sign of Spiritual success.

Leading evangelists displayed pride, arrogance and pomp that is not equaled by today's wrestling and boxing stars and they call it Spiritual. May the Lord have mercy on this society by granting repentance from all the fleshly junk that is going on in Jesus' name.

Greed (which is idolatry), self-centeredness, covetousness, materialism and things like these are found in the church world just as much as in the secular world. The church world's promotional methods are the same as the world's. The church world is not a testimony and a witness that Jesus is alive, but they try to persuade people by words and Madison Avenue methods about Jesus. The whole church world appeals to people to ACCEPT Jesus rather than to turn to HIM with a whole heart and make HIM the center of their lives. If a preacher teaches people that they can be part of the world and still be a Christian, then the preacher can benefit in several ways from their "conversion". On the other hand, if a preacher preaches separation from the world (which causes death to the flesh), his message will be offensive and odious to people and they will not support him. Consequently, preachers face being tempted with compromise. (Read 2 Cor 11:12-15).

These things were an indication in the 80's and 90's that the religious system was sick and corrupt and needs to be repented of. The system is much, much worse, today. Christianity in the Church world is not recognizable.

There has never been a time of deception and false teachers and false doctrine as there is today.

The word of God is slanted, adjusted, altered and misinterpreted. It is misrepresented, misapplied, and mishandled.

How many of hundreds of denominations and sects are operating in the Church world, today? They all have different beliefs about the Kingdom of God. They are all DIVIDED. They are all in competition with one another for money and people. They are ALL working and trying to perform things to make themselves acceptable in God's sight or to give them favor with the Lord, while at the very same time denying that they are doing this. Physical illness, problems with children, depression, financial trouble, divorce, emotional problems, etc. beset the religious world just as much as they do the people who do not profess Christianity.

Brother Roberts book does speak very well to this point:

Televangelicalism [Kindle Edition]
http://www.amazon.com/Televangelicalism-Robert-Wurtz-II-ebook/dp/B00F6AF400

In this insightful and thought provoking book, Robert Wurtz II traces the history of Christian evangelism from the book of Acts to modern times. The contrast between pre-1900 and post-1900 evangelism is so sharp, that the book is divided into two sections: Part 1, the pre-Billy Sunday era and Part 2, the post-Billy Sunday evangelistic era. This book is a must-read for anyone that has concerns about issues such as "the sinner's prayer" or shallow concepts of conversion. We are in danger of losing our Evangelical Christian identity all together, and it is a direct result of failed modern evangelistic methods. Television has greatly contributed to this issue. Join us as we take a journey through history to discover the discarded theologies and methods of effective Christian ministers.

Hi Sidewalk,

I also think men love religion because the flesh does not want to die.

If it is not plain to everyone with all of the church history we now have, let me just say, the "church world", "Christendom", "Religious structures" will never have unity. Their very makeup and survival requires them to continue to be divided because they must compete for money and people.

Nickels, noses and numbers are the fuel of the religious system and will continue to be.

2Pe_2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

So, we can either come out of religious Babylon as the Lord tells us or we can be part of it and part of her sins and plagues. Those aren't my words.

The Lord is commanding us to leave, and He will bring us to a people that have a vision of Him as their Head and a vision of the Church as the New Jerusalem, the Heavenly City. Not an earthly counterfeit.

As Frank says, the religious system will come together in a fake unity. It will be fake, because they will still be in competition with one another, but giving lip service to "unity". Take away the mammon and the religious system will crumble and that is not going to happen.

Religious Babylon will thrive right up until the end.
Rev_18:11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

The message of Revelation: Jesus Christ is Victor over Religion (Babylon).

In the 80's and 90's there were teachings on Angels and how to recognize your personal angel and where they were (Charles and Francis Hunter).

The whole Latter Rain movement and Manifested Sons of God.

Speaking of angelic visitations, one of the first before Charles and Francis Hunter, was Roland Buck. Do you ever recall that name? He was a former Assembly of God pastor. This man was deceived by many angelic visitations. Sixteen visitations in 2 years covering 50 hours (2-4 hours each).

2nd visitation - "quit preaching at relatives"
3rd visitation - "Angel Gabriel and Creoni" visited him.
4th visitation - he "worshiped some presence".
5th visitation - "visitation of Michael".

Deceiving spirits (1 Tim 4) speak about broader revelations and special truths. They told Roland that "God has a family plan" and "the ties of family are eternal". Also that "God always has a backup plan. If one plan doesn't work, He has another." Angels told him that there was complete forgiveness for everyone and that he should stop preaching pardon and repentance.

He had a superficial view of the atonement and his doctrine left out the work of sanctification.

He wrote the book "Angels on Assignment". Perhaps you have heard of it.

Even though he died in 1979, he has a web page and notice all the mixture on it. He has Watchman Nee and Ray Comfort.
http://www.angelsonassignment.org/

For his 6th visitation, he was told "you can reject the Spirit but not angels. Creoni told him that Joshua worshipped him.

More doctrines of demons: He was told that Jesus did not taste physical death for us because we still die.

1. Are the angels identified by non-biblical names?
2. Are the angels given non-biblical descriptions?
3. Are they performing roles beyond biblical context?
4. Are they sources of additional revelatoin beyond biblical content?
5. Are they in any way proclaiming another gospel?

Beware when someone says, "The Bible contains the Word of God."

Beware of familiar spirits.

Warnings
1. Angels are to be accursed if they preach any other Gospel (Gal 1:6-8)
2. Satan can appear as an angel of light in disguise (II Cor 11:14).
3. An Angel (spirit) is not to be believed simply because he is a spirit (1 Jn 4:1).
4. An angle may be a deceitful spirit. (1 Tim 4:1)
5. Beware of a religion of angels. (Angels are predominant and active, center of pictures, etc.) (Col 2:18)

I see a resurgence of "religion of angels", today.

by Solomon101 on 2014/4/8 20:26:26

Just-in stated the following as a means of testing an angelic visitation.

1. Are the angels identified by non-biblical names?
2. Are the angels given non-biblical descriptions?
3. Are they performing roles beyond biblical context?
4. Are they sources of additional revelatoin beyond biblical content?
5. Are they in any way proclaiming another gospel?

While I certainly agree that people can be deceived by giving heed to evil spirits and not discerning their source it also seems to me that the steps you give are far to constricting to allow for legitimate encounters sent by God Himself.

Please allow me to just throw back a few questions in regard to your steps -

Great questions, Solomon. But, these steps were derived from the Scriptures. Let me explain (read on).

1. Are the angels identified by non-biblical names?
We only have a few angels actually listed by name in scripture. We also know from scripture that the total number of angels is incredibly large. It is obvious that unless God sent one of a very few we would not know their name from scripture. That does not make all the remaining angels messengers of satan ... the ones serving God are His messengers. Where in scripture does it anywhere indicate that unless an angel is called by one of just a couple names you should reject them?

I almost want to say, "Michael I know and Gabriel I know but Moroni and Chroni, sorry, I don't know you". All I can say is that every new Angel name that I have heard, has been accompanied with false doctrine. Has anyone else heard of a new name that did not bring another gospel? And why would the Lord do that? It would be confusing and contradictory regarding His 4,000 years of interaction between Men and God. Strange indeed if He introduced a new angel in the age of deception the likes of which the world has never known.

2. Are the angels given non-biblical descriptions?
Not entirely sure what you mean by this one. However I am assuming that unless they physically appear to the human eye at that moment the way one of the angelic host is described in scripture they should be regarded as demons and devils. Again, where in all of scripture is that idea drawn from? There may indeed be millions of "types" of angels that we have no knowledge of at all. There is nothing in scripture to indicate that we have anything like a full revelation of the angelic realm and all the created order in it that God established. I am not necessarily saying He did create myriads of other angelic forms we do not know about yet .... but neither can I, or you, say He didn't. That is pure presumption.

Charles and Francis Hunter said they knew where their angel was standing, how tall he was (20feet) and what color suit (blue) he was wearing. Yes, it is true that angels have many names and probably can appear with blue suits, but, God has given us enough parameters within His Word and I am confident He is not going to pull a fast one on us and have De'Andre show up in a glimmering tux. But, the Word of Faith guys will probably disagree. Again, God is not an Author of confusion and has given us parameters surrounded by 4,000 years of interaction with men. Also, Angels don't draw attention to themselves by wearing Armani suits.

3. Are they performing roles beyond biblical context?
Again, not entirely sure what you mean by that. Could you give an example? We see angels performing miracles by God's direction, warring, delivering saints, executing judgement, giving specific life instructions, and a great many other functions. Not sure what you are meaning on this point? Maybe an example could help me understand?

God does not send angels to have in depth conversations with His children. Do we see any examples of this in the Bible?

From "Angels on Assignment".

Gabriel had just introduced Roland Buck to Chroni and this exchange takes place.
"One night while Gabriel and Chroni were taking to me, there suddenly appeared a bluish shaft of pure 
light about eighteen inches in diameter from the ceiling to the floor of our study room. The instant the 
light appeared, both angels fell prostrate on the floor. They stayed in a prone position for at least five 
minutes without a single motion or sound. I didn't know what to do, so I fell on my hands and knees 
and worshipped God. They never told me what this was, but I feel that just as a bright light appeared  to Saul on the road to Damascus, this also could have been an appearance of Jesus in the form of a 
bright light. It was awesome to me!"

Roland Buck has no idea what he bowed to. He was never told what he bowed to. He just bowed.

4. Are they sources of additional revelation beyond biblical content?
Well I should certainly think so. This would be especially true if they were sent to give life guidance to a person. This happened several times in scripture. If a decision were important enough to send an angelic confirmation I suspect it WOULD be beyond Biblical content. For example .... who you marry, ministry you are involved in, country you should live in, town you should live in, employment you are to be involved in, people and traps the enemy may have set in your life to destroy you are all examples of critical information that is extra Biblical. The scripture does not address those things specifically to your circumstances. You have to get that information directly from God Himself, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit. Perhaps they may send angelic confirmation in especially critical times ... but it would certainly be revelation beyond Biblical content.
-- HOWEVER --- IF THE REVELATION IN ANY WAY CONTRADICTS BIBLICAL CONTENT THEN IT IS CLEARLY DEMONIC. The Spirit and The Word agree. If an angel brings a message not in line with scriptural content then it is to be totally rejected without any question. I am just noting that knowledge beyond Biblical revelation is not the same thing as revelation that contradicts Biblical content.

You answered your own question which signified that you knew what I was saying.

5. Are they in any way proclaiming another gospel?
I am in 100% total, absolute, and complete agreement with that.

Amen!

I have been more concerned as of late about folks seeking to take command of "their angels" and issue commands to them. NO WAY IS THAT HAPPENING!

I find it interesting that you seemed to have had many experiences with angels. Are these experiences you can share? Do they build up the Body of Christ? Were they edifying?

Angels are servants of The Most High God and do not take orders from anyone else ... period. I can tell you will all knowledge and certainly that if you have actually seen a few you will never, ever, ever presume to issue orders to them. Their presence still pulsating and humming with the glory of God (much as Moses face after being on the mountain I have thought) will absolutely remind you that they serve The Father and no one else.... as we are to do as well. They are my teammates .... my fellow soldiers. However, they fight alongside me with eyes that see far more than mine. At times God gives messages to me through them. It is always a personalizing in my life of what he has already spoken in scripture. For example ... we are to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. An angel might appear to me and give me specific direction about a person I will meet in town tomorrow. I am to share my faith with him and buy him lunch. That opens the doors to his salvation. All the angel did was deliver a message to me on how to specifically apply God's truth to the world I am living in right now.

I am not being argumentative at all. Hopefully that comes through in the tenor of my post. However, if you will consider your original criteria for evaluation an angelic visitation and my responsive questions you will see that there is a much wider place for angelic revelation than is being supposed.

Thanks for sharing, Solomon. I did not take anything that you said as argumentative. They were very good questions. Have you submitted your experiences with Angels to the Body to check if anyone else has a witness to your experiences?

As you read Roland Buck's book, Angels on Assignment, you
will realize many things, and one thing that keeps popping
up is how "sensual" or "feeling" oriented, Roland is.

"Some of the unique experiences God has blessed me with are so 
unbelievable from our human viewpoint that I am often hesitant to share
them publicly. Here is one of them: During a visit one night, Gabriel said 
that God had sent me a little gift for my strength and energy as he handed
me a round wafer approximately five inches in diameter and a quarter
inch thick, that looked like bread. He instructed me to eat it; so I did. It 
had the taste of honey. When I finished the bread, he gave me a silver­like
ladle filled with what appeared to be water. I drank every drop of it, and an
overwhelming desire to praise and worship God instantly came over me. 
Rivers of praise billowed up to God, bubbling up out of my inne[rmost 
being, and for days after I drank this liquid, there was a sensation of 
"fizzing" inside of my veins. What an indescribably pleasant and 
exhilarating feeling it was! The effects were astounding because the first 
day after I ate the wafer and drank the water, I LOST FIVE POUNDS! The 
second day I  LOST ANOTHER FIVE POUNDS! The third and fourth days ANOTHER 
FIVE POUNDS EACH DAY! Then it tapered off to about a pound a day. I had an 
excess of "flab," and that is all gone now. When I jogged 
prior to this, I quickly became winded, but now I have no breath shortage at 
all. My strength and stamina have been fantastic!"

This quote revolves around his flesh and nothing about his inner-man. And how
special are we, that God will send Gabriel who announced the glad tidings of
Christ, and was sent to Daniel to make him understand the vision, to deliver
a wafer to a man? Or, you might ask, what did Gabriel do to become the wafer
delivery boy? Either way, it's completely not believable and does not witness
with my spirit.

Another angel, named "Queenie" is introduced. (I guess she is the Queenie of Heaven).

"Many people have asked me if Gabriel had said anything about the return of 
Christ. He hadn't, so I  asked him if he could tell me anything about it. He 
replied that Jesus is returning, but the time is something that God has reserved 
in his own knowledge. Gabriel has access to the timetable on everything 
else that has been predicted, but God has kept this particular secret to himself. 
Then he said to me, "I can tell you this: there has never been such 
excitement and activity in the courts of heaven since Jesus came the first time 
as there is right now!" Hallelujah! These angels spoke in a heavenly 
language and were constantly picking up messages from the Spirit.  Often when 
they would pick up reports, they would laugh and become extremely happy. 
Obviously, these were reports of great victories that they were celebrating. 

As Gabriel was talking with me, Chroni, the other angel, played with Queenie, 
tickling her ears, getting her on her back and having fun with her. Queenie 
lapped it up! I wish she could talk because I would like to know what her 
impressions were. She has had the rare experience for a dog, and acted as 
though 
she thought it was really great! Gabriel went to the door and reached for 
the knob. He said he had to leave because of an urgent call of the Spirit, but 
he said, "I have asked Chroni to stay here with you during this time while 
I am gone. I'll  be back shortly." It was so strange, because while I WAS LOOKING 
AT HIM, HE JUST VANISHED INTO THIN AIR. There was no flash, no sounds, no nothing. 
He just disappeared! One minute I was talking with a very solid, muscular 
individual, and the next instant there was nothing! All I could see was the place 
where he had been standing! He had completely vanished!"

Hmmmm, Gabriel went for the door and reached for the knob, but then just decided
to disappear.

Angels, as God’s Servants

Angels have specific yet limited roles to play in declaring God’s will and purposes for humanity.

Angels are God’s servants
Ps 103:20 See also Heb 1:7; Ps 104:4

Named angels
The archangel Michael: Da 10:13; 12:1; Jude 9; Rev 12:7
Gabriel: Da 8:16; 9:21; Lk 1:19,26

Angels as agents of God’s salvation
Heb 1:14 See also Ex 23:23; 32:34; 33:2; Nu 20:16; Isa 63:8-9

Angels do not fully understand God’s salvation 1Pe 1:10-12

Angels deliver God’s people from their enemies 2Ki 19:35 pp 2Ch 32:21 pp Isa 37:36; Ac 5:19; 12:6-11

Angels as mediators
Ac 7:53 The law was mediated by angels to Moses and Israel See also Job 33:22-26; Ac 7:38; Gal 3:19; Heb 2:2

Angels as revealers of God’s will
Zec 1:8-10 See also Da 7:15-16; Zec 4:11-14; Rev 17:1; 21:9

Angels convey and fulfil God’s instructions Zec 3:4 See also Nu 22:21-35; Zec 3:6-7; Mt 2:13; Gal 1:8; Rev 7:2

Angels Attend to the Needs of God’s People

Angels provide food at special times 1Ki 19:5-7 See also Ps 78:23-25

Angels provide protection Ps 91:11-12 See also Ge 19:15; 48:16; Ps 34:7; Da 3:28; 6:22; Mt 18:10; Ac 27:23-24

Angels give guidance
Ex 23:20 See also Ge 24:7,40; Ac 8:26

Angels serve Jesus Christ

Angels care for Jesus Christ’s needs Mt 4:11 pp Mk 1:13 See also Lk 22:43

Angels are ready to protect Jesus Christ Mt 26:53 See also Mt 2:13,19-20; 4:6 pp Lk 4:10; Ps 91:11-12

Angels are inferior to Jesus Christ Heb 1:5-13

Angels, as God’s Messengers

Spiritual messengers with the special role of making known God’s work of salvation.

Angels give hope through the words of the prophets
Isa 40:3-5 The voice in this passage may be that of an angel.
Isaiah: Isa 40:1-2,6-8
Daniel: Da 8:15-16; 10:12,14-21; 12:8-13
Zechariah: Zec 1:12-21; 2:3-5; 4:1-7

Angels and the coming of the Messiah

An angel foretells the birth of John the Baptist Lk 1:11-13 See also Lk 1:14-19

Angels foretell Jesus Christ’s birth Mt 1:20-21 See also Lk 1:26-38

Angels announce Jesus Christ’s birth Lk 2:8-11 See also Lk 2:12-20

Angels announce Jesus Christ’s resurrection
Mt 28:5-7 pp Mk 16:5-7 See also Lk 24:4-7,23; Jn 20:10-14

Angels foretell Jesus Christ’s second coming
Ac 1:10-11

Angels reveal the gospel for the Gentiles
Ac 11:13 See also Ac 10:1-5,30-33; Rev 14:6-7

Angels foretell God’s final triumph
Rev 1:1 See also Rev 19:9; 22:1,6,16

Angels, as agents of God’s Judgment

Spiritual beings who assist God in carrying out his judgments. Angels will be especially active when Jesus Christ returns for the last judgment.

Angels as agents of earthly judgments
Ps 78:49

Against Sodom and Gomorrah See also Ge 19:13,24-25

Against opponents of God Ex 12:23; 2Ki 19:35 pp 2Ch 32:21 pp Isa 37:36; Ps 35:4-6

Against Israel Ex 32:35; 2Sa 24:16-17 pp 1Ch 21:15-16; 1Co 10:10

Against Herod Antipas Ac 12:18-23

Angels restrained by God’s mercy
1Ch 21:15-16 pp 2Sa 24:16-17 See also Ge 18:20-32

Angels and Final Judgment

Angels proclaim God’s sovereignty Rev 12:10-12 See also Rev 10:1-4; 11:15

Angels announce God’s final invitation Rev 14:6-7 See also Rev 14:9-13; 19:9

Angels hold back the final judgment Rev 7:1-3

Angels carry out preliminary warning judgments Rev 8:1-13; 9:1-16; 10:5-7

Angels accompany Jesus Christ when he returns to judge 2Th 1:7 See also Mt 16:27; 25:31; Mk 8:38 pp Lk 9:26; 1Th 3:13

Angels gather everyone for the final judgment Mt 13:37-41 See also Mt 13:49-50; 24:31; Rev 14:15-19

Angels announce the final judgment Rev 14:15 See also Rev 10:8-11; 17:1-3,7,15; 18:1-2,4

Angels enact the final judgment Rev 15:1 See also Rev 14:16-19; 15:6-8; 16:1-21; 18:21; 19:17-18; 20:1-3

Angels are subject to judgment
1Co 6:3 See also 2Pe 2:4; Jude 6

It is clear that angels play an important role in the lives of believers and of the whole world itself. At every level angels are used of God for His purposes. In the end the most sobering thing may be that which Paul says, ‘Know ye not that we are to judge angels’. (1 Cor 6:3).

If we can accept that the fall of man was at the hand of an angel, as has every deception which has prevailed thereafter in any significant way, including Islam, then it may make sense to comprehend the justice of God in entrusting to the church the judgement of those beings which have so wickedly laid hold of mankind and destroyed that which God Himself loves.

Which is where I tend to agree with Just-In and why his position reflects a cautionary note. Personally I have seen angels on two occasions. Yet I would not in any way whatsoever encourage anyone to have a mind to communicate with angels directly. The idea that we can reject an angel when they bring a different gospel seems to point to some naiveté arising from the fact that Paul makes this assertion clearly. Angels who are intending to deceive are least likely to come with another gospel in recognition of that fact. Deception is by nature unknown, else it is not deception at all, but a deceiver. In short if we are deceived by intimate communications with angels then we will not even know it. If we are not deceived and yet promote and teach another gospel, obviously then we are become wicked ourselves.

Yet the scope and range of service to God and men which are carried out by angels is clearly very broad, albeit limited in its direct scope to men individually.

Hi Solomon,

I went back to read the passage about Queenie and you are correct. I read it too quickly. The angel is playing with his dog. No, I do not have any axe to grind with Roland Buck or the Hunters or other teachers of angels. But, there is much to learn from their experiences that they have recorded on tape, CD and in books. Let's keep this about recognizing whether angels that are sent are either from God or not.

How far beyond scripture do you propose we can go when it comes to angels?
We see that God used Angels many times in the OT. From the Book of Acts to Jude, show me 10 occurrences where God used angels in the NT Church.

I propose that the entirety of scripture has been given to us as parameters. They are our boundaries, aren't they? And of course, the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth and will let us know if the spirit is a "bad angel".

Thank you for letting us know that you have read the book "Angels on Assignment". Obviously, it interested you because you have had many experiences with angels. Did you have these experiences before or after reading the book, and do you seek these experiences? I am asking because I think we are all interested in how you determine their authenticity as coming from God. How do you test the spirits?

Gal_1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Here is a principle that many take advantage of. The Roman Catholic Church, specifically takes advantage of this. We know that what is said in the Scriptures is very important and we are commanded not to take away from the Scriptures. We are also warned not to add to the Scriptures. The principle of which I speak is not what is said in the Scriptures but WHAT IS NOT SAID. The RCC has often taken the liberty to add to Scriptures by saying that "it is not specifically written against" and "it is a good thing". This is what I have seen being done in the non-RCC church world. Their experiences are adding to scriptures because contained in their experiences are subtle changes or additions or even omissions of Scripture.

We have to be cognizant of not only what is in the Bible, but what is NOT in the Bible.

1. Nothing is ever said about what they wear. But all of a sudden in the end-times we know what they wear and they seem to be pretty cool looking suits (appealing to the lust of the eyes).

2. Nothing is ever said about how tall they are. Again, modern experiences are appealing to the senses (pride of life).

3. We have been given two names in the Bible for angels. Gabriel and Michael. Not Moroni, Nephi, Chroni. Interestingly, these names all end in "i". Is "I" a suffix and what does it mean. Anyone know?

4. Mostly, I hear and read that Jesus Christ is appearing to people. There are many testimonies that He has appeared to Muslims and it is a well-known testimony that He appeared to Sadhu Sundar Singh. He used angels many times in the OT and He even appeared as the "Angel of the Lord", but in NT times, He appeared to Paul, and others. There are not that many occurrences of angels in the Early Church (NT), but their activity has exploded in the End Times. Just as prophesied and oftentimes these are not good angels.

5. We know Can bad angels can quote scripture? Matthew 4:6; 1 Timothy 4:1. That is why we should submit our experiences to elder brothers.

6. We know that bad angels can disguise themselves as good angels (angel of light). 2 Corinthians 11:14.

7. We know that Demons disguise themselves as servants of righteousness: 2 Corinthians 11:15.

8. We know they believe and fear God, so we should not be taken in by their quoting of scripture or talking about God in a reverential way. James 2 :19, 2 Peter 2:11.

7. We know bad angels can do miracles. 2 Thessalonians 2:9.

8. How do we know if they are bad?
As stated, bad angels will preach a different message than what is in the Bible: Galatians 1:8. Also, if you read all the occurrences of angels in the Bible their messages, proclaimations, instructions and commands given were simple and to the point. Truth is simple and pure devotion to Christ: 2 Corinthians 11:3-4.

9. You will know them by their fruits: Mathew 7:15-20

10. Can we believe in lies? Yes. People trusted in lies in Jeremiah 28:15; 29:31.

11. Are bad angels active today? We are told they will deceive the elect if possible. Matthew 24:24 and bring false doctrines: Galatians 1:6-9.

12. Angels don't bring us new information today, because "the faith was once for all delivered" Jude 1:3 and "the whole purpose of God has been declared". Acts 20:27. "We have everything pertaining to life and godliness" 2 Peter 1:3.

AND THE BIGGEST REASON IS THAT GOD DWELLS WITH US and IN US BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT.

Solomon, how do you test these angels that come and visit you? You obviously have more experience than probably all of us combined, so I think we would like to know in light of the activity of "bad angels", how you verify and confirm they are from the Lord?

I have read all the instances of angels in the Bible, but it does not give me license to embellish them and imagine them in other ways to the point where I may start receiving visitations. I firmly believe anyone that receives several visitations from angels should submit those experiences to their local body. From your postings, and correct me if I am misunderstanding you, you seem to have received several visitations from angels. How many is several and have you submitted these visitation to you local body of brothers?

I stand by my 5 tests and all the scriptures I have given. And, I stand by what is not written to us as something to be wary of. One can only prove my list is not correct with their experiences, not with Scripture. Do you have any evidence from scripture that my 5 points are not scriptural or are you just relying on your experiences and imagination? We can certainly imagine that Angels sent from God can look like anything, wear anything, play with our dogs and cats, sit down and converse with us and even bring us energy drinks. These are all cool things and don't seem harmful on the surface, right? God cares about our health, our energy levels, our pets, so why can't we imagine good things from these angels? And if one starts actually having visitations from angels that are conducting themselves in this fashion, then it only solidifies one's imaginings. I am not saying this is not reality and people are not receiving visitations.

I hope I have been able to communicate to you my thought process on this matter and where I am coming from.

Blessings to you, too.

by amrkelly on 2014/4/9 11:08:57

Angels, as God’s Servants

Yet the scope and range of service to God and men which are carried out by angels is clearly very broad, albeit limited in its direct scope to men individually.

Amen, to that Andrew and thank you for that great list of scriptures.

It is important to discern what doctrines their message(s) leave out. Especially, if they are visiting you on numerous times. Are they leaving out the Cenrality of Christ and Sanctification. And are they constantly appealing to your senses and to things that put you in "awe" of THEM?

But, right off the bat, I would be alarmed with one visit, let alone many visits. The fact that I would be alarmed at one visit would not mean I was rejecting them. But, I don't ever want to become "comfortable" with them. The Holy Spirit has a way of giving me peace if a friend is nearby or rising up inside me if a foe is present. We must learn to trust and rely on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.