Sunday, November 26, 2006

A review of “Meetings in his kingdom” (the Intro pt 2)

Unless you are a pet bird, stay away!The reading of Mike Peters and his subject's materials are a bit of a drudgery for me, but having the Grace of God to keep my head above the dirty waters here is very comforting and refreshing. It would be tricky for any man to read such things without knowing the Grace of God in Truth to raise you above the alluring power of this legalistic influence. For this persuasion works to bring you down under the law rather than in the True Grace of God according to His Word.

A quote from the intro:
“To put it yet another way, this writing is about Life, Together, as a Family, under our Father.”

I suppose this is what most of those in Mike’s following really believe or they wouldn’t be there. Although most likely some are there under mental and emotional duress, not knowing where else to turn without being attacked by Mike's practice of trapping through false condemnations. They have been swayed by the misleading teachings and work of Mike, and only God knows if Mike even conceives it as possible that he is in grave error before God. It may well be that Mike thought he was doing God’s will in what has come about through the years. But as Jesus said:

“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. “And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.” (John 16:1-3)

This is the extreme mentioned by Christ, but it begins somewhere. After many years since this book of Mike’s has been written, we have come to see the real fruit of where Mike has been going. It is far different than the “make believe” world presented in this book --and their other materials-- as time and testimony of others will tell even more than it already has. We know that in the Peters group they have been putting people “out of the synagogues” for not following Mike’s set of rules and regulations to perfection. And then these people who are "put out" of Mike's little kingdom are called “of Satan” for simply escaping their snares. As Jesus said:

“It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! “Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. (Mt 10:25-26)

And he really seems to show that he does “think that he offers God service”. It is a very sad picture that I believe more and more people will see if the Lord tarries. Our greatest defense to the lies and slander propagated by those gripped by Mike’s doctrine and practice is time. For time is under and in the Hands of God, so we rest in Him knowing His promises are sure:

"Though his hatred is covered by deceit,
His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly."
(Prov 26:26)

Many have already testified to this fact about Mike Peters:

“The words of his mouth were smoother than butter,
But war was in his heart;
His words were softer than oil,
Yet they were drawn swords.”
(Ps 55:21)

He has --to this day-- spiritually, mentally, and emotionally --in an ungodly way-- wounded many individuals and families… and this is an unfortunate fact that many are living with at this very hour. Even after striking them down with verbal assaults, he would trample on them with public slander and libel if they speak out against his wickedness. Being personally aware of some of these people who have been attacked by Mike and his adherents, I am motivated in doing what you see here in this blog at this time. It’s not right to let it go unhindered, which is what we do if we say little to help others avoid the snares.

In a note at the intro of Mihk we find:
“To point anyone towards us, rather than towards our Brother and King and the Truth of His Word, would be a tragedy. As soon as anyone promotes themselves, or offers themselves as a model of God’s Truth (though such models are a valid possibility if GOD does the promotion by His Grace—1Thes.1:7, 1:6, 2:10, 14), a fall is near. When they offer themselves as a “fishbowl” for others to look at, they become driven by their need to protect their reputation and to promote their paradigm.”

They did recognize an important truth here at their “small beginning” and it has proven to hit them hard now. The words “tragedy”and “a fall is near” tend to ring loudly for those of us who are certain of Mike’s errors of doctrine and practice and the outcome they have produced through the recent years.

One final comment on the introduction of “Meetings in his kingdom”. His words are smooth and seem to be softer than oil but remember the words of our Good Savior when He warned us of certain types of people who claimed God‘s leadership comes through them:

Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. “Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. “For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (Mt 23:1-4)

Many of us have known the consequences of not realizing many of Jesus’ warnings in time. Please don’t become one of the victoms of legalism hidden behind a smooth tongue. We are praying for all who read this blog. Though my motives are judged otherwise, I want you to know that I am doing this for the sake of you or others avoiding THE SNARE.

“Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler…” (Ps 91:3a)

“Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; The snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth." ( Ps 124:7-8)

It is so good to be FREE!!!

God bless you.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Take out the garbage and eat right...

This can really smell after a bit!Already, I have desired to quit this endeavor of a review on the “Meetings in his kingdom” book by Mike Peters. But then thought of how some may be helped to see through Mike’s cunningness at some point if I continue by God‘s grace uncovering the deceitfulness and conceit of this man who claims to be an apostle to the Church. Also, this work is becoming for me an exercise in discernment as I pray and study more in God’s Word regarding the matter of Truth verses the deceptions of Satan. The reason I have wished to quit is because it is a bit sickening to my soul to go through Mike Peters’ writings. Real YUK! This was not a good enough reason to quit and neither is the thoughts that hit me that this may only reach a few people. For if it helps just one soul to realize the error and danger of being involved with this deceptive man, it is worth just that. Yet, to help offset the feelings of disgust --which I have to endure in order to offer a review on Mike’s materials-- I have been blessed with the idea of beginning a new blog for my own (and hopefully other’s) sense of joy and strength in the Lord. For if we don’t find these things through abiding in the Vine for ourselves then we will have no good thing to offer others which may be of eternal value. It hit me after my last post on NoahLot that the post name “Haven of Grace” would make a good name for another separate blog. It may sort of be like the difference between taking the trash out of the house for disposal before it really gets bad, as opposed to sitting down to a nutritious meal. They are both something that we need to do. I will take out the garbage a bit more directly on NoahLot. But I intend on eating nutritious, delicious spiritual meals, feasting on the Grace of God in His Word of Truth on HAVEN OF GRACE. You are welcome to join me for those meals if you like. For Isaiah spoke of the Grace of God when he said:

It's time to feast!“Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—
The sure mercies of David."
(Is 55:1-3)

As I discard the garbage found in the teachings of Mike Peters or other false teachers and false leaders, it will be found in a contained place by this room called NoahLot. It will be well isolated and labeled so as not to harm others. And it may be here until it is cast out for good by the Grace of God, which may not be until Christ‘s return, for all I know. But HAVEN OF GRACE will be just that, a haven where God’s Grace will edify the spirit and soul of those who are of God or may become the called of God through His Grace and Truth. Though the topic will always be about the Grace of God, I will contrast this to other things contrary to Grace and I will speak of other characteristics of God in their relationship to His Grace. What will be found on that blog is protection from the onslaughts and deception of legalism, licentiousness, or other lies which attempt to keep people from “The Truth of the Gospel”. A place to glorify and exalt the One Who has supplied all the Grace we’ll ever need… our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If you need encouraged in God’s Grace at this time, you may wish to visit HAVEN OF GRACE each time there is a new post on it. Otherwise, if you wish to learn more about Mike Peters’ tricks or that of other similar deceivers who masquerade as leaders in the Church, we will be looking to do some of this here on NoahLot.

Soon, I will resume here on NoahLot with my review of the Mihk introduction…

AWESOME LIFE PRESERVING GRACE!

They contain explosive lies!I have thought about the fact that someone --who is into the mindset of believing that Mike Peters has good ideas for the Church of today-- may view my writings of him as offensive. They may actually term it worse than that. I do understand that I use strong statements clearly indicating that I see Mike as being far from the “Truth of the Gospel” and dangerous to the spiritual, mental, and emotional health of believers in Christ Jesus. This is what I have intended to show others regarding this man. It is serious. It is an example of how some Christians can be misguided into illusions produced by “men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all,” (2 Tim:3:8b-9). Mike had laid this very same charge at those who have been exposing his real works. But --in reality rather-- this is proving more and more through time to be the revealed truth of him and his adherents. If fact, many of the accusations they have falsely put on others are helping very much to expose them incredibly well over time, as more and more people come out to tell the truth of what is really happening under Mike’s rule.

I am not a lone voice crying in the wilderness for all to see this truth of the deceitful and conceited work of Mike Peters. There are many others to be found on the web and some of those can be confirmed in real life via phone or in some cases face to face. As time goes, God is having those who have been adversely affected --by the teachings and practices originating from Mike Peters-- come to know of his exposure to the public eye and share their story of involvement and the sickening impact Mike has put on them and/or their families. We have been praying for this and God has been answering. If the man known as “maleman” on FACTNet had not spoken up in his Christian love for his brother, others may not have had the healing process that has been produced by the justice publicly dealt out to a man who claims to be a teacher and leader in God’s Word.

If we are to follow in our obedience to God as members of His Blood bought Church, then the following command must stand until (and only until) Mike steps down from his self-proclaimed position of being a so-called leader in Jesus Christ’s Church.

1 Tim 5:19-21
“Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.”

1) Are we of the Body of Christ as believers and disciples of Jesus Christ and His real “Truth of the Gospel”?

2) How many witnesses have we had here for many months now? I’ve lost count!

3) Is Mike sinning? If that is even a question now, someone has not been paying much attention, or they are blind themselves.

4) Are we in the presence of all here? The internet reaches across the world as Mike has claimed this as his reach.

5) (and the most vital factor here) So what is Paul’s charge to those of us who say they are obedient disciples of the FULL counsel of God?

I’ll say this first to those yet in need of some further healing after the wolves have torn at you or your family for some time. YOU AND PERTINENT FAMILY MEMBERS MUST COME TO KNOW AND SEE GOD’S GRACE IN FULL MEASURE BEFORE YOU WILL BE READY TO FIGHT IN THIS SPIRITUAL BATTLE OUT IN THE OPEN HERE. I believe it is wisdom that until this process has been completed for you by God’s grace, that you remain anonymous and yet freely speak remembering Jesus words “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves”. For you must be prepared for their devices of personal attack against you or yours when you reveal your name.

TO the other “witnesses” I believe I should say this. If you have been blessed to find a local church nearby ministering the COMPLETE UNBIASED AND UNPERVERTED GOSPEL, or if you are praying and watching for this, then you are responsible --as a member of the Church on this earth and a witness to the abuses of Mike Peters-- to pray, seek God’s grace for wisdom, and tell your side of the story and your Biblical discernment over his teaching and practice. We all have seen the proof of Mike’s retaliating with lies at each and every one who testifies of Mike’s ways. As he also twisted God’s own words as seen through his practices. Hurt and fear are elements which God can heal in you through coming to know and understand “The Truth of the Gospel” and being SET FREE from the guilt and condemnation of 100% of your past failures. We all have clearly come to know that Mike only needs a tiny trace of truth, if that, to mix a massive measure of lies and make monstrous false accusations about those who testify of his abuses. Everyone who reads FACTNet knows this. And to the falsely accused, your own conscience before God knows you have long repented and have been cleansed and forgiven by the One and ONLY High Priest of Heaven, Jesus Christ Himself. SO, just who can bring a charge against you and then think they could stand in the court of God’s judgment without fearful consequences? ONLY A BLIND AND FOOLISH MAN!!!

We as the Living Church (though living at distances physically) are of One Spirit indwelt by HIS TRUE GRACE which keeps and saves us. We, therefore, are to bring BIBLICAL JUSTICE on Mike’s practices as it is clearly written in God’s Word thru a REAL APOSTLE of our faith, Paul.

Someone has said months ago: “Hey Dennis: You made your point a long time ago... you and your wife's words are here for all to see for as long as Factnet exists. I would never presume to tell you what to do, but what else can you accomplish on this site?”

While I understand the spirit in which this advise was given, I must mention someone’s advice… no, command of far greater authority in the Church. For the Apostle Paul told us of a case like this:

“For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.”

1) Have Mike and his adherents submitted to “The TRUTH of the Gospel of Grace in Christ Jesus”?

2) Are Mike and his adherents “both idle talkers and deceivers”?

3) Do they enforce a from of legalism as “those of the circumcision” did?

4) Do they “subvert whole households” as in the case of Tim Sz, those First_Truth mentioned, some others we have heard of, and God only knows how many others out there who have yet to testify if they haven’t already.

5) How many here can testify that Mike and his adherents are “teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain” as you see the lives and homes he has come to dominate and the luxuries Mike enjoys.

6) (and the most vital factor here) The one in the middle of this passage: Have their mouths been “STOPPED” yet?

We are commanded to deal with heretics and hypocritical liars who infiltrate the Church with their leaven to the extent that their tentacles reach. And to that extent we have been granted the ability to expose them. The World Wide Web is just that, WORLD-WIDE, and this is how far Mike intends to reach in his deception. They are of those “WHOSE MOUTHS MUST BE STOPPED!”. And we have been given the grace and ability by God to do so here and now, before we see another larger cult develop and so many are led astray because the True Church chose to be quiet in fear of a mere man full of Satanic deception! I do not want to be a part of that history when I stand before my Lord to give an account of my stewardship. It is time to stay alert and be in seriously fervent prayer. It is time for the Church to stop letting these things get out of control and grow like the Mormons, JWs or other because “it takes too much of our lives to deal with it” or “what good is my little help?”. WE MUST WAKE UP! When Paul said “so do these also resist the truth: but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all” (2 Tim:3:8b-9), should we believe that this is done without God using His Church for the process of discipline as in 1 Tim 5:19-20? In other words, Mike WILL progress further if his folly is not completely manifest TO ALL of those who are potentially under his sphere of influence and the cognizant Church will be responsible for this for He has already told us what to do. The same goes with any others who are infecting the Church with heresies.

Have I presented a good Biblical exhortation here for all the witnesses of Mike Peters practices? Does the number of posts one makes or the way something is typed for emphasis have anything to do with obeying God in His NT commands to deal with the likes of Mike Peters? YES! For if we stay silent, do you really think the Devil will be quiet as well, as he secretly whispers lies to the elect to deceive them if that were possible?

“And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.” (Mk 13:21-23)

Or in the case of the unsaved do you not know that the key is kept from them? For it is written:

“Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.” (Luke 11:52)?

In spite of our imperfections and that we are all learning how to be more Christ-like as we go here, has not our continuing in this effort proven to be used of God and from that, a blessing to others. Those who have been seriously abused (some for years) by Mike Peters and his practices have since come along here to see that the fight wasn‘t abandoned and they took courage in the Lord? “Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love.” (1 Cor 16:13-14) This includes stopping the mouths of those who are luring God’s sheep to themselves and tearing them to pieces if they “try the door” or say what has really gone on in there. Do you think so many would have come forward here if we had quit? I believe they have testified that this has been a blessing and encouragement to them in knowing they were not ALONE (Mike‘s “bad word”). May we “encourage them daily” to look to Jesus as their source of Grace and Truth by sharing a pure understanding through God’s Word about this AWESOME LIFE PRESERVING GRACE! By doing this we encourage their own faith to see Him when they are ALONE. Do you think there are many others God could lead here yet over time? It is always time to be still to listen for God’s wisdom in prayer for this matter. But it is my belief that for most of us, now is not a time to be still or be quiet with your voice on this matter. We are each a member of the Church who’s life has “been hid with Christ in God” where the invisible Church --which is only made visible through His living Body of today-- is directed by the Mind of Christ through the complete counsel of His Word. For God only knows those who are watching for the understanding and compassion from those of us who know what they have also experienced.

We have been granted by God’s design the power to STOP their mouths! For Jesus Christ said to us regarding His revelation to the Church:

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Mt 16:19-20)

The key is “The Truth of the Gospel” which sets men free. This “key” is kept from those following a legalistic doctrine and yet can be proclaimed through our participation in Grace.

Christ’s Bride, are you making yourself ready for Him (Rev 19:7)? Are you binding on earth those things already bound in Heaven? Those things that cause others to be “estranged from Him”(Gal 5:4)? Are you letting Him use you to loose or set the captives free with Truth (Jn 8:32, )? He gave YOU the keys which have been kept from the enslaved. Go to the locked door, turn the key and show them THE TRUTH so they may see THE LIFE and know THE WAY out of their captivity (Jn 14:6). It IS up to you and me! Don’t be a part of letting God’s “people perish for lack of knowledge” (Hos 4:6).

Does anyone, beyond those who have been speaking-out already, have ears to hear amidst the loud smoke-filled explosions, machine guns of false accusation, and flamethrowers of Satan’s attacks?

We need your voice as a member of the Church…SO that their MOUTHS WILL BE STOPPED!!!

Friday, November 17, 2006

Haven of Grace…NO LEAVEN ALLOWED!

Before we get serious again, hope you get a kick out of this...
HIYAH!!!If you want to find out what this cat says go to: joythruChrist
(sometimes he posts there)


On a more serious note:
Later, I plan to post more comments regarding the rest of the introduction of “Meetings in his kingdom”. For now, I want to say something else.


I certainly do not claim expertise in my review of the Mihk book of Mike Peters. I hope some of what I share proves to be helpful to others for understanding or discerning what is behind the curtains in Mike’s little kingdom wrought with legalistic control measures (he is quite a smith in this regard). It is my desire and my request to have those of you with other insight feel free to express your thoughts here for others in the public to see without the onslaught of Mike‘s wolves sent out to make false statements about and bring distracting attacks on those who make comments on this blog. You are safe here as far as that goes, for I will not permit their assaults to post. If they speak reasonably and honestly --as appraised by the discernment God grants to me or my multitude of counselors in Christ-- then we may permit this only. Legalistic liars have ample opportunity, as they have proven in places where it is “documented”, to express their character to the world in other venues, so they don’t need my blog for us to be “fair” to them. For to me “my blog” is not my own, for Christ owns me, my blog, and all that He has put in my stewardship for His glory and purposes. I will not permit the yeast or leaven of Mike Peters' cult or any other graceless cult on this blog, except to expose them for what they really are. This blog is set apart for God’s Liberty, Truth, Grace, and Glory. Therefore, one reason (certainly not the only) for this blog is to give others --from many locations here and around the world-- another public place to share the truth of what they know or have experienced regarding Mike Peters and the trouble he has inflicted on individuals and families. And also for those people to have a bit of fellowship where we are “by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God”.

This is not done in secrecy but this is done here in an atmosphere of grace and understanding for what individuals or their families have been through. For that matter, anyone may post anonymously if they think this is wise. It will still minister to some others and I personally believe that God may have some of you do this for a season. Yet, when the time is right and God has strengthened you--it is true that real names will promote (through grace) a greater sense of believability in the hearts and minds of those who are on the edge of going one way or the other in their temptations to legalistic “ideology” as opposed to seeing the freeing “Truth of the Gospel of Grace in Christ Jesus” for His Church.

This Scripture will apply here:
2 Cor. 1:3-7
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.”

The “any trouble” in that passage could be from that which Mike Peters has produced and this is spoken of in this passage of Scripture also:

Gal 5:7-10
“You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.”

God has been judging --in various ways-- Mike Peters and those who willingly feed on and enforce this man's leaven. This is justice for those who have endured much trouble in this life from his influence. As Hosea has said of another matter: “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind”. Mike has sown his “wind of doctrine” which has tossed many innocent people around, but it has come back on Him with a force founded on the Power of our God’s Grace in Jesus Christ! Legalism crumbles at the Cross of Christ as His resurrected Life can not be imitated through strict conformance to codes and rules brought on through cunning but graceless interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. Mike is smart with the Scriptures, carnally speaking, so many unknowing believers fall for his craftiness with the word of God. The same can be said for ANY other man centered religion that neglects the WONDER WORKING POWER of Grace and Truth that sets men free, cleanses them, keeps them from falling, and conforms them to Christ's image by the work of the Holy Spirit of God.

In the case of Mike’s group, he is their “Un-holy spirit” which brings condemnation to enforce control rather than Grace and freeing Truth which is found only in the Holy Spirit. As many of you know, people with Mike have yet to experience the genuine and beautiful work of the Holy Spirit to give grace in our times of need. It is a pitiful existence in there as they rely on a mere mentally twisted man as their "un-comforter". Talk about YUK!

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Cor 4:1-6)

As said earlier, here is an opportunity for us to be “by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God”.

Speak the truth here according to the love you have in your hearts for those who are misled or those who are hurting because of the trouble produced by Mike Peters or other false leaders in a place of dictatorship where their “persuasion does not come from Him who calls you”.

Enough for one post. I look forward to sharing more on the intro to Mihk soon. Please comment below as you are at liberty here. Your comments can be removed by you if you choose to later, as long as you don’t use an anonymous name. At your request, I will personally remove any anonymous comments if you choose to do so later.

If you wish to intrude with “another spirit” here you will not be welcome. Otherwise, let us follow this Scripture properly for “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there IS LIBERTY”.
God Bless you with Grace from Jesus our Savior!
quotes from: NKJV

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Meetings in Mike's little kingdom (Intro)

I have been praying about this and believe I should review Mike Peters book. For what it may be worth I offer this to any for consideration. I will be very frank in expressing what I see as I am praying and asking God for discernment regarding this book by Mike Peters. I will say it just like I see it and not hold back as I trust God to help me be sensitive to and discern the full counsel of His Word in contrast to Mike‘s ideas. We will not exclude the testimonies of many who have “been there and done that” regarding Mike’s actual practices when looking at what he “says” in his writings. It is my conviction before God that Mike Peters has cunningly twisted the Scriptures to fit his own end. I will explain this as I offer as much detail as possible while remaining concise and condensing for readability. I do believe I should note that many false-teachers and false-teachings have similar characteristics and therefore these posts regarding Mike Peters teachings will shed light on other false-teachers/teachings as well. By taking one chapter at a time through the entire book, I will bring out things to consider in contrast to God’s Word in His full context. To follow Mike’s demand in his book that no one may quote a part of the book without quoting all of the book, I have made a text-only copy in a post available on this blog. I purposefully changed the date of that post to June because I don’t wish to advertise for him although I have placed a serious warning on it there. He did say in the book that we can make complete copies.

It is a good thing to continue to tear at the brown paper bag over Mike Peter’s head and work to show people that the chainsaw he holds can be removed from his hands so that he does not harm more people and families, as he uses it to cut up peoples lives recklessly and heartlessly for his own little kingdom. Here we go…

Meetings in his kingdom

Comments on the Introduction:

As Mike has said in here, it is about a Jesus and a kingdom. The question is, has Mike been describing the real Truth of the Gospel of Christ Jesus for the Church or has he craftily designed another Jesus of his own engineering abilities to offer for worship (of Mike) and obedience (subjection to Mike) for those who don‘t know better? I want the readers to consider whether it is revealed to you here that MP has indeed cunningly produce “another Jesus” for his own kingdom. I see Mike has worked hard to lure people in who won’t take the time and care with prayer going through God’s Word to see if these things are so. NOT if the Scriptures he speaks of are there (for Satan quotes the Bible), BUT rather has Mike Peters been faithful to our God OR has he indeed twisted the Scriptures deceptively. The seduction in Mike’s teachings goes out to those who are weak in their knowledge of the “Word of His Grace” and/or have been discouraged by the contradictions and failings which they have been hurt by or witnessed in other places bearing the title “Christian church”. Mike has made a defense for himself by playing into the churches shortcomings and offering something that seduces the naïve, which is in reality much worse than the easily escaped teachings of others in Christendom. Mike’s solution will prove more damaging than most other problems the church is dealing with today. He is (on a MUCH smaller scale) very much like other legalistic factious cults of today.

How interesting it is that Mike has the gall in the intro to reference 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

As Paul said to the church of his day so it is for us today: “but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment,” (gal 5:10). This “trouble” is referring to legalistic influences promising others liberty when they are themselves slave of corruption or slaves of man-made and control-designed laws in the guise which gives the false impression of being highly spiritual.

Look at this excerpt from Mike’s intro:
“For that reason, if you are living in a more typical modern-day church environment, you may be a step or two out of an ability to visualize, or live in, some of what follows. At least for now. If this turns out to be the case, try to understand as much as you can, and pray that God will give increase to these Seeds in your future. But don’t ever be complacent and accept less than what Jesus deserves in His People! Be a catalyst for Godly change!”

“At least for now”, “these Seeds in your future”? Here is an immediate attempt to proselytize before the first chapter. And they claim that they do this in no way. This claim is clearly recorded on FACTNet in their own words. Meanwhile, they give this book and so many other materials out to others. As well as leaving their website address on eBay and in many other places.

You can see Mike’s cunningness immediately through his painting up a picture using Scripture to appeal to those spiritually desiring to know God’s workings in the Church. After being discouraged through trying so many other claims of those who say they know how to have and be the Church, some are lured into this nasty trap of legalism. Like a prostitute would wrongly use God given physical means to attract and seduce others who are weak in their flesh for her own gain, so Mike is prostituting the words of God to attract and seduce the naïve and weaker brothers and sisters because “he is speaking so many truths” and “it seems so good”. As we know, Eve really and truly “thought” it was good and would make her wiser, so the allurement to being “more spiritual” plays into the minds of the naive.

In the intro, at the same that time Mike is attempting to subtly woo Christians into this “ideal living in Christ” he is preparing their minds for the idea of being fully subject to his authority in his little kingdom as he mentions the idea of “submission". Watch out! Mike’s trap is set in the intro…

Lord willing, I will soon be back with more on the intro in Mihk. This exercise of discernment is good for growing in grace and knowledge of the Truth if you stay alert, have God's full armor on, keep both sides of the Sword sharpened in God’s Word properly, and always pray in the Spirit. May God bless you with greater discernment.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Are you popular with God?

one towering pine, one of kind on our propertyI have never really been very popular in my life. Because of the attention most of us desire to have as sociable humans, sometimes I’ve wondered what it may be like to be more popular. But usually after pondering it a bit I feel like I wouldn’t want popularity without sure grace from God to help me maintain a Christ-like attitude. To be in the spot light--of more than friends, family, neighbors, and business or personal acquaintances--seems like something where people need special grace to handle it properly as a Christian. In saying this, I do not believe that many popular people manage the attention on them with a graceful and godly attitude. But that may be another post regarding Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,”.

This post is dedicated to those who are popular in the eyes of God or would like to be. I wish to specify my definition as I’m looking at the word popular. In relation to God I mean: well-liked: or pleasing to a person (specifically God)

Now why would God like or be pleased with anyone? In truth, I must start out by saying that God the Father does not really like and is not really pleased with any human except the God-Man Jesus Christ, His unique Son. He is the only One of mankind who has never caused dislike or displeasure in the heart of God. In other words, He never sinned or fell short of the glory of God as all other humans have from Adam on. If the Father God is pleased with no one but Jesus then where do we go from there? What hope do we have in gaining any favor with God, let alone becoming popular in His eyes? The answer is that we have absolutely no hope at all by any means of our own. But while we were yet sinners, God in His great mercy and love of mankind sent His only perfectly and completely pleasing Son to pay the price of our sin debt with His own life.

Rom 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

And because He was then raised from the dead, we have new life in Him (Rom 8:11). The penalty of our sin was PAID IN FULL as the Father was pleased to accept His Son‘s offering on our behalf (Is 53:10-11). This is where if you have seen your utter sinfulness and then trusted in the Son of God to save you from the penalty and power of that sin in your life, you are in and of Christ Jesus by virtue of adoption. And being in this position you are now pleasing to and accepted by God for being in and of His Holy Beloved unique Son.

Ep 1:3-6
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.”

There is nothing we can do more in or of ourselves that will please the Father. And it is still true that only that which is produced by the Holy Spirit’s grace through us will ever please God the Father. God makes us more or less popular in the eyes of men. Some abuse their greater popularity in this and then some give the glory to whom it is due as Barnabas and Paul did in the book of acts when men thought to worship them for their God given words and deeds:

Acts 14:14-15
“But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,”

If God intends for only one soul to read this post and be encouraged in Him then I’m good with that for that is what God has purposed. If many more read this and are blessed then that is good too, for this is God’s plan of use. I desire to be a willing vessel, sanctified and made useful by and in Christ for and to His glory according to His eternal purpose.

Jer 9:23-24
Thus says the Lord:
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.


No one of us should boast of our popularity to men. For what do we have that we were not given from God?

1 Cor 4:7
“For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”

And as in the case of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 4) or Herod (Acts 12) the LORD can remove anything of this sort which He has in reality lent for His purposes and not ours. And we should not feel jealous of the human popularity others seem to have, for this is an attitude which Christ is not pleased with as it is contrary to His divine nature which He gives us by promise through faith.

Phil 2:5-8
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

2 Pet 1:3-4
“as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

Nor should anyone feel like they are less than others because God chooses to use others in a way more noticeable to other human eyes. For this does not make anyone less noticeable to Gods eyes.

1 Cor 12:22-24
“No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,”

A widow quietly interceding and praying for other’s salvation and the grace to help them may just be one of the most popular people on the whole earth in the eyes of the Most High God and will receive her reward for it, though no man knows her name.

Whose attention would you wish to be sure to have? Men who, like the flower or the grass, wither and fade away in a short period of time, like a vapor which vanishes away quickly (Is 40:7-8, 1 Pet 1:24). Or, would you rather be the apple of God’s eye (Ps 17:8) and given attention from the Alpha and Omega, the Ruler of all Creation, the Maker of everyone of those people we desire attention from, the Most Powerful and only omniscient Being who dwells in all of space and time, He who never grows weary or faints, He never slumbers or sleeps, He holds the power of life and death for every creature He alone has made, His wisdom has spanned the heavens farther than man could ever comprehend, He controls the forces of all nature and can still any storm or snuff out any star. Yet in all of this, He gently knocks at the door of your heart and says: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”

Listen closely for His still small voice, so different from the voices of men clamoring for attention from other men. Open the door…

Sunday, November 05, 2006

True Biblical Discernment (Pt 2)

Before my study on discernment, some more trees to see:
Weeping by the pondIn an earlier post I had a picture of this weeping willow dancing in the wind. Another thing I like about the weeper (my nick name for such a tree) is that they are one of the first of the deciduous trees to produce foliage in the spring and one of the last to lose their leaves in the fall.
The following weepers originated as branches from the tree above.


The biggest one is over 7 feet tall after one and a half years of growth from a few inches of a branch.











The second is already 6 feet after one year. They survived after their water froze in the garage over the winter. They are very easy trees to reproduce.








Back to something of more importance:

Psalm 119:18-19
“Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your law. I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands. Don’t hide them from me!” -NLT

I am continuing this study here knowing I can do nothing except what God grants to me. No human, no other being anywhere in all existence in the heavens or below has any authority to produce in any one of us an understanding of God’s Word. Only that which is given to us from the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ via the person of the Holy Spirit will save us from the darkness of this present age and the ruler of this worlds systems including those that talk like they are soooo spiritual and pure. Some religious or cultic leaders would have you believe that you can not understand God or His Words except through their so-called “gifted” help. These blind leaders of the blind are not on the Throne of God even though they, as Satan does, may wish to be. And as the Scriptures make clear, Satan himself can transform himself into the appearance of an “angel of light” or a “minister of righteousness”.

Consider the relevant definition of the word "appearance":
look, exterior, outer shell, facade, outward show

Only God in His own wisdom and mercy reveals Himself and the real truth and balance of His own Words (that of the heart and mind of Christ) to those whom He wills. One thing is for sure, we need no further words of apostolic or prophetic revelation from any man or spirit than those already established for us from Christ’s founding Apostles and Prophets.

Ep. 2:20
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,”
Ep. 3:5
“which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:”
Heb. 1:1-2a
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son,” (emphasis added to bring out the past tense)

All Scripture has been completed since the infancy of the Church. And we are well past that stage. No one may add to Scripture or take away from it without the consequences of falling into the hands of an angry God who said “vengeance is mine, I will repay”. Those who use His words for their own little kingdom at their own feet will be repaid by God‘s just wrath in due time if they do not repent of this beguiling perversion. Therefore considering the goodness and severity of the Lord, His Mercy and Truth are not to be taken lightly as it is with those that have seen a way to manipulate others by perverting and peddling the Word of God for their own gain. Whether the personal gain is self-exaltation or aggrandizement, money or material, power or control, or otherwise selfish ends, it is a fearful thing to rebel as Korah, deny as Cain, or be greedy as Balaam and offend God in this way. For Paul said himself:

“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:8).

Accursed from the Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon means:

“a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed, and if an animal, to be slain; therefore a person or thing doomed to destruction, a curse, a man accursed, devoted to the direst of woes”

Jude 10-11 declares:
“But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.”

If this sounds very frightening it definitely should. Man’s intelligence (what they know naturally) coupled with human pride and unity (guised as spiritual maturity) was the cause of God’s judgment on the Tower of Babel. Cain, who had an unacceptable offering, was jealous of Abel’s acceptable offering to God and killed his brother for this. There is only one acceptable offering which is foundational in the Kingdom of God and that is Jesus Christ's death on the Cross. In this fact we see also only one acceptable “Truth of the Gospel” as Paul phrased it in speaking of those who would have tricked others into legalistic bondage:

Gal. 2:5
“to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.”

But Peter was rebuked by Paul in this matter. In effect Paul said to Peter that he must accept and express salvation as 100% completed by Christ and 0 % of our own works. For Peter could not say that Jesus was a “minister of sin” by not doing what He promised in completing this work for us. And it is not possible to have even the slightest trace of legalism in our doctrine or we are saying, in effect, that Christ wasn’t good enough and we have to do something ourselves. Even if it is only said to be 0000000001% or less of the work necessary to earn and complete our salvation, it says Christ lied when He said He died for all of our sin and also said “it is finished”.

Now for the matter of who God reveals Himself and the Truth of the Gospel we go to Scripture. First of all Jesus said this as He was reminded of OT Scripture:

Matthew 21:16
And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read,
‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have perfected praise’?”
(from Ps. 8:2)

Matthew 11:25-27
“At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. “Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

And the Apostle Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired words on this matter:

1 Corinthians 1:26-29
“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.”

And James agreed:

James 2:5
“Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (emphasis added to show God’s choices)

2 Cor. 2:9-10
“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”

Many are cunning or wise as to how Scripture can manipulate others to their own following. As Jesus said:
Mt 24:4-5
“And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”

Consider this for a moment if you will. The “many” that come in Jesus name are the many various false teachers and apostles or other forms of liars or deceivers. All of which have separate and different claims of being “of Christ” or a “Christ Himself”. Therefore each of the followers of each of those leaders may vary in amount. There are smaller cults and there are larger cults. But unfortunately the “many” will follow their cunningly perverted but “apparently righteous” leaders. If the followers have it set in their system of belief that this particular leader is “the chosen one of God for today”, it follows that their leader can do no evil; therefore, whatever he directs them to think and do is good --even if it seems unethical or immoral or contrary to other words in the Bible-- because “GOD” would never tell them to do evil so it is better to accept this than what their conscience is saying about it. Searing of the conscience is the end result and the more often this occurs the more normal this “spiritual” way of life seems to be OK.

I can’t seem to see the end of this study yet so I will be praying and looking forward to sharing more on this in the near future, Lord willing.

Until then sleep right and don’t let the spiritual perverters bite.
Scripture quotes from -nkjv unless noted

Saturday, November 04, 2006

WHY all the links regarding Mike Peters?

The links on my side bar here are for public awareness of yet another of many abusive and controlling leaders in the cult systems of today. This particular lesser known cult is one with which I have had an actual personal experience in my life and I wish to testify here and warn others of their tactics. Also, I do not wish to harm those involved with this group, but rather I do hope that at least some of them may be freed through some of the info offered here if the Holy Spirit would use this.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

True Biblical Discernment (Part 1)

You MUST pet me NOW!
These pictures here have nothing to do with discernment that I am aware of. I just wish to ask others for advice about what I should do as I am working with my hands in my workshop for our business and there are distractions like this? He won't let up unless I quit working and pet him.


What do I do?I won't go away!













On a more serious note, I am doing a prayerful study on this topic of "True Biblical Discernment". It is my prayer that I will go through and come out of this study with a greater understanding than going into it.

As God’s Word says in:

2 Peter 1:1-11
Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


Who am I to think that I could speak of “True Biblical Discernment”? I understand that question for I am asking this of myself. I have no Bible degrees given to me by men. I am not ordained by any church denomination or organization. I do not have any certificate on my wall that indicates to others that I have arrived at something of which others have not. So why am I doing this? If I have no accreditations from men then why do I do anything of this nature on my blog for others to read?

1) It is my desire that my Lord and Savior is glorified and known better through those things I share here. Perhaps God will use this to cause others who haven’t met Christ Jesus yet to come to a saving knowledge of Him. Perhaps God will reveal to some hearts Truth that can set them free from some form of spiritual bondage they were not yet aware of in their life. For Christ is glorified in this way as well. (2 Tim 2:24-26)

2) For my own personal growth in the “grace and knowledge of God”. For if this doesn’t increase through my life in “the True Vine” (Jn 15) how could I edify or (as needed) correct others?

3) By doing this publicly, I am holding myself accountable to others (including you) for the things that I profess to understand and believe. This gives others in the Body of Christ, locally and globally, the opportunity to judge and correct or affirm my understanding of God’s Word and how it is to be lived out.

4) It is my desire and prayer that what I share here may help someone else to experience an effective increase in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For the “like precious faith” that the apostle Peter wrote of is directly connected with what the apostle Paul wrote of when he said:

Ephesians 4:15-16
but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

The effective working of the Holy Spirit of Christ, as experienced through His Headship, is not at all limited to that which is within some specified physical radius of our bodies. Christ is on the Throne in a physical body form and yet His chosen people are seated spiritually with Him in Heavenly places. Until Christ returns and all flesh sees His glorious supernatural resurrected body, we know God and His Truth only in Spirit, as He reveals Himself to His own through the eyes of their understanding.

Ephesians 1:17-23
“that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

Ephesians 2:6
“and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,”

So what is discernment? The dictionary says: “keenly selective judgment”. Some other related words are “discrimination, shrewdness, sensitivity”.

Ponder some of the applicable definitions of these words:

Discrimination = awareness of subtle differentiation: the ability to notice subtle differences

Shrewd = clever and probably accurate: based on good judgment and probably correct

Sensitivity = able to measure small differences: capable of detecting minute changes in levels, conditions, or amounts

Consider Philippians 1:9-11
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

The pertinent word for discernment or judgment in the Greek is:
aisthesis
1) perception, not only by the senses but by the intellect
2) cognition, discernment
2a) of moral discernment in ethical matters

I have seen people involved in cults or pseudo “Christian ministry” reveal how deeply entrenched they are by showing a clear lack of discernment in ethical standards which is the result of their great lack of spiritual discernment. The fact of their ignorance is too devastating to their pride to acknowledge. Through their misguided belief, fed by severe arrogance received in their indoctrination that they have special insight, they mentally excuse their practice of lies and perverted exaggerations through rationalizing it as "OK" because they are the "elite" in God’s eyes and God permits them to do this for the sake of what they blindly and zealously deem as "truth". It is a sad thing to witness this in people who seem so sincere.

God does reveal Himself in a special way to His own but NEVER at the expense of lying to cover up man-made deceptions simply because they are “claimed” to be “of God”. Their void of holding truth in spiritual matters is seen clearly through their void of being able to stay within the bounds of ethical and/or moral matters as they are manifested to others (Ec 10:3). And when they know you see through them they get worse and compound rather than repent of the errors to maintain their spiritual pride and status. The truly discerning will see the subtle differences in their doctrines and practices and avoid their snares.

Of course the book of Proverbs has much to say about discernment. Too much to go into here but some key verses may be:

Proverbs 1:5-7
A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 2:3-5
Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.

My prayers are being faithfully answered as I am blessed with understanding through this study. Thank you Lord Jesus!

I hope you have been blessed somehow as well. Until this is continued on another post keep asking and believing God for wisdom and discernment.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

And if you can shed more light on this, please feel free to do so in any comment.
Thanks!

In part 2 I hope to express how some of the lowly of this world, or the despised, can know God and His wisdom with discernment better than many of the well respected and elite of this religious or scholarly world.