Bill Gottard FINALLY asked to take administrative leave- UBM take note

Recovering Grace, a blog for survivors and victims of IBLP and ATI reports that Bill Gothard, has been asked to take an administrative leave after years of broken, lives and abuse.

This follows the resignation of Doug Philips at Vision Forum, a highly influential player in the  "biblical womanhood" movement.

To those of us impacted or connected to these groups, it is a profound shock to discover the dark under belly, so carefully hidden from public view. 

Such is the case for spiritual abusers and high-demand church group leaders. They have an appearance of great wisdom, holiness, kindness and righteouness...but inwardly...other sins and motivations are operating.

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. (Mt 23:27)

They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi^b by others.  (Matthew 23: 5-7 ESV)

There's only way out - genuine heart repentance.

A note to my friends and readers who feel uncomfortable with my language in this post. .Certain terms that were used to force compliance such as "repent" and scripture itself can feel very uncomfortable and triggering after enduring spiritual abuse. This is also called  a "trigger."

I apologize in advance for any discomfort this page may give you and any conflicted feelings that may result. Spiritual Abuse sanctuary has been a helpful resource for me on this journey as has learning about cults and cult recovery.

Peace.

UBM IS a cult part 2

Here is a link to the most popular post on this blog:

Unleavened Bread Ministries IS a cult

I can't handle this

Sometimes God's truth is so painful to our flesh, we are tempted to refuse it.

Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” (John 6:60)

The Word puts to death many things we hold dear. 
It can be relationships.
It can be our world view.

But rest assured, that when the Lord delivered us of error...the end result is peace, joy, and deeper fellowship with Him.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy. 21“Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. 22“Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
(John 16:20-22)

Learning the truth about UBM is similar.
There are a lot of strong emotions and confusion.
We recognize that our spiritual house was not built on the rock...but built upon a foundation of hay. It is hard and troubling to accept that.

You may find it hard to trust.
It can be difficult understanding what are majors and what are minors in the faith.
You may be immediately drawn to another system of belief, spiritual, diet, lifestyle, that has very clear cut rules. Do this, don't do this. Eat this, not that.

Drawn near to God, and He will drawn near to you. Be patient with yourself and the healing process. The Lord deals with us with gentle purposefulness. Like a good surgeon, he often operates on one part at a time...not doing it all in one cut, or we wouldn't be able to handle it.

For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.

For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod.

 Bread corn is bruised; 

because he will not ever be threshing it, 

nor break it with the wheel of his cart,

 nor bruise it with his horsemen.

 This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.

(Isaiah 28:23- 29)


That's you, dear ones. 

Just as a seed is threshed, God's purpose is not to destroy...but to release the seed so that it is fruitful.

We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)


YOU are precious to Him!

New Comments

(formatting added by me for emphasis)

"False teaching should be reported. There is no need to do a Mat.18:15-17; in this matter. The local UBM church in TN, with the other apostle should deal with David E. relative to Mat.18:15-17; but they will not do so. Because David E. is unaccountable to anyone below him or any other Christian apostle or elders. on Unleavened Bread Ministries IS a cult."
Anonymous

(I had never heard the term "Nicolaitan ministry" - until my time at UBM. Never heard it mentioned...never knew about it. I believed that UBM was a true 5 fold ministry, and as such, was being led by the Holy Spirit. Please investigate for yourself...if this is true. Is UBM led by a plurality of elders? Or by yes-men? If it is Nicolaitan, led by one man, that is hypocrsy because DE teaches so strongly against the concept.)


"David E.'s manchild and bride teaching is a mixture teaching and that is not the pure words of God. Believers and obeyers have to be for the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. David E. is number one in the UBM group. Beware you be not control and manipulated by David E. David E. is the my servant David, in the song Days of Elijah. David E. needs to repent and fear God all the time, and not fear God when David E. decides to do so. Much is require of David E. anyway being a teacher. on Unleavened Bread Ministries IS a cult." 
Anonymous

(Indeed, it is mixture and a deadly one. There is enough truth, to draw many true seekers. This is the worst type of deception. A ministry that calls itself "unleavened" is actually highly leavened. A ministry that casts out demons actually imparts them. This is a great deception and I pray earnestly that God's people are set free from it. )



"Most of the former elders that David E. appointed left UBM in 2011 because David can not be corrected or David E. does not fear God all the time. Most brethren do not know the other side to David E. and have not labor enough with David E. to know the real truth and the mixed teachings of David E. If you idolized David, you are spell bound. Read 1 Tim.6:1-4; This describes David E., he did not obey or do Mat. 18:15-17; on April 19, 2013 in Madisonville, TN. With the witnesses there, David E. explain the opposite and did the opposite of Jesus Christ's written words. David's tactic is to turn matters to you with his favorite verses to counter you, to manipulate the brethren to his thinking. David E. is the elected apostle of UBM and even new subordinate apostles are under David E.. You will discover about David E. in due time if you on in local UBM IN tn for a season. Just now and then visiting you will not discover the real David E.. He will have to answer to God in Eccl.12:13-14; on Unleavened Bread Ministries IS a cult" 
Anonymous


"It was Sun. June 17, 2013, I was not thinking about David Eell's earlier and the prophet I contacted months earlier did not contact me either or after. I had a dream and I appeared before David Eells. David looked real angry at me. We did not exchanged any words. David was dress in a white shirt with the patch with the capirtal letters on his shirt sleeve: A.S.G. He was wearing a tan color pants. The dream ended. Later I ask some brethern to pray to get a interpretation. Could this be meaning David is: Against Sovereign God. Brethern do not let yourself be deceive or be led astray by man. on Unleavened Bread Ministries IS a cult."
Anonymous


Why all of the anonymous comments? If you have spent anytime listening to UBM online, you know the pattern. Anyone who criticizes or warns against the ministry or head teacher (sole teacher)will be slandered on online radio, BY NAME. Personal and counseling emails will be read. Most importantly, the accused will never be given a chance to respond.


The control of information flow is a tactic to maintain control and to maintain UBM's number one resource- the reputation of its founder in the eyes of the followers. UBMers desire righteousness. They desire to walk in holiness and not be in apostasy. David has taught them that most Christian ministries are apostate. On the website are dozens of articles about the error of Christians and ministries "in the Harlot Church." This belief alone is why many UBMers won't even entertain the suggestion, by men, the Word, or even the Holy Spirit, that David and UBM are also in spiritual unfaithfulness.
Where else would they go?

The answer- friends....to Jesus Christ alone.
With no man or ministry as an intermediary between you and he.

Thanks for the recent comments.
I've been neglecting this blog as of late. Sorry!


Some verses to ponder:

As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. (1 John 2;27)

They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. 8“But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9“Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10“Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.  (Matthew 23: 6-10)


Friends,
Did you know that Babylon is not only out- there but any place where Jesus is not Lord. Did you know that a minister or a minster can be an idol?  This is the message of the Charles' Newbold's  Harlot Church System. 

Babylon is spiritual...it is a place of bondage, manipulation, and control. You can be home churching and still in Babylon. You can be in a ministry that teaches about Babylon and the Harlot...and still be in both, spiritually. (!!) This is not to scare you, but to help you and me to understand the very subtlety of deception. If you are in a system ruled by one man...and not a true five fold ministry...you could still be in Babylonian captivity. 


"Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. (2 Cor 6:17) 

What language does your church speak?

From Battered Sheep

Rebellious, as in "a rebellious spirit" or "a rebellious heart": (1) When a young person in the congregation or group asks the pastor or leader an honest question about the justification for a peculiar practice or belief of the church or group, and the pastor is unable to answer the young person's question with an open Bible, then that young person has a "rebellious spirit" or heart. (2) Also used as another term for anyone, who is "unsubmissive", most especially a wife who is "unsubmissive". See also "a Jezebel Spirit". (3) What a person is when they are "unwilling to reconcile". (4) Anyone who doesn't get with "the program". 

Teachable: You are "teachable" when you passively accept what you are taught without questioning the exegesis or logic. (See "unteachable")

Troublemaker: (1) Someone who has the audacity to think the elders should be effectively accountable to the congregation. (2) Anyone who had the nerve and gall to see through the pastor's slipshod exegesis and pseudo-scholarship, and as a result refuse to accept the pastor's interpretation and application. (3) People who have left the church. They were just "troublemakers" so we don't have to give any serious thought or care as to why they left. (4) Anyone in a business meeting who asked critical questions the elders didn't really want to have to deal with even though the questions were very relevant to the issue at hand. (5) Anyone who voted "no" on a proposal or matter the elders favored. (6) Anyone who said anything that was in any way negative about the church. See also "slander".

Unteachable: (1) You are "unteachable" when you have the audacity to go home and study an issue for yourself from the Bible, and come to a different conclusion then what you were taught. The sin in doing this is you're exposing the teacher or preacher's flawed exegesis and sloppy scholarship. (See "teachable" and "unsubmissive") (2) Also used to describe "not getting it". "I was supposed to "get it" when the elders asked me to "resign" from being deacon. I am guessing that what I was supposed to "get" was that "it was all my fault", and the actual offending party had no responsibility whatsoever. In that group of churches to be labeled "unteachable" is equivalent to a "death sentence". Someone who is "unteachable" is on the road to excommunication; they have committed the highest offense a Christian can commit." (3) Also used to describe those who visit the church for a period of time, but then cease coming and go to another church.

Unsubmissive: (1) When you follow your own conscience in the light of your own understanding of Scripture instead of doing what the pastors or elders told you to do, you are "unsubmissive". (2) When a godly Christian wife refuses to tolerate the outrageous, dictatorial overbearing abuse of her husband, then she is an "unsubmissive" wife. See also "a Jezebel Spirit" and "Rebellious".

Unwilling to reconcile: What a person is when they will not accept the pastor's non-negotiable version of what took place and agree to back his version.

Divisive: (1) What a person is called because some people actually realized what that person said was the truth so the church is split. (2) A term used of someone who doesn't swallow the party-line hook, line, and sinker. See "Apostate".

A Bitter spirit (variation "Don't be bitter"): (1) The charge made against a person because that person still stands by what they first said. (2) Former members who say anything negative about the church or group are charged with having "a bitter spirit", so what they say is not given any credibility and ignored even though it is factually true. (3)"Don't be bitter." Said by the truly unkind in order to deeply wound, for (spiritually abused) survivors aren't bitter--we just hurt... a lot! Said to shame, usually in a very public venue and/or in front of other kind people or, worst of all, in front of the "Undecideds" who, upon hearing this condemnation, decide that yes, the (spiritually abused) survivors are indeed "bitter", when all we are doing is hurting... a lot! 

Black sheep: see Apostate 

A Jezebel Spirit: (1) A term used specifically to describe a woman who is "unteachable". See also second entry for "unsubmissive". (2) Also used to describe a woman in the congregation or group who has the audacity to seek to publicly expose the unwanted and unasked for sexual harassment she received from the pastor or other prominent male church member. Such harassment usually fits the definition of a criminal sexual offense as defined by statute law, and exposure would result in negative publicity in the community at large. (See "a family matter") ( A Judas Spirit- for a male- ed added) 

The "World": "The classic, them against us attitude. It was often used when we would do something that some took as "worldly"; watching certain TV programs, or too much TV, buying an expensive car, suit etc. The lists could go on and on, and it was always up to those in authority to interpret it the way they wanted to. We were never totally sure what was worldly or not. Usually, it was the unspoken rule that we should all know. It led to a lot of conformity to this image of what was part of the "World" and what was part of the "Church". So we were always second-guessing all the things we did. It left one with a certain uneasiness, knowing that we were always wrong in certain areas and slipping up. Kept us on the endless treadmill of perfectionism to work at our own salvation. This contributed to never measuring up and was the cause of depression and in rare cases, leading to suicide with a few. I know personally one of my friends who committed suicide. He was always going over the deep end in this area."


More terms to reevaluate in the light of Scripture

"Babylon"
"The Harlot"
"Hidden Manna"
 "Confirmation"
 "The Manchild Doctrine" 
"sowing your own seed"
"The Apostate Church"

Spiritual Abuse Clearinghouse

Stumbled upon this blog today.

Provender- A clearinghouse of sources on spiritual abuse and cult like 
practices in groups and churches


There is an extensive blogroll and research list.

 Some of the subtitles:

"What does elitism have to do with spiritual abuse"

"Stories of Abuse and Survival"

"Using Words to Manipulate"

Spiritual Abuse Questionnaire 


I'll leave you with this def of SA from the Provender website:

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL ABUSE?

Spiritual abuse. It can happen in big churches and small. It can happen in churches that at first seem sound, biblical or healthy. Certain signatures define spiritual abuse: authoritarian leadership, claims that the group or leaders have a special calling or gifts, inability of leaders to handle criticism, harsh treatment of those who question or try to leave. These are just a few. Though the manifestation of abuse differs in externals, underneath are similar traits, repeated in abusive groups. Become familiar with spiritual abuse in a variety of churches and you will soon see how these leaders manipulate and control.

Breaking the Chains - Overcoming the Spiritual Abuse of a False Gospel by Shari Howerton

Breaking the Chains- Overcoming the Spiritual Abuse of a False Gospel.
by Shari Howerton.

The name says it all.

The similarities between Gospel Tabernacle (CGT) and Unleavened Bread Ministries (UBM) are stunning and I found myself weeping as I read.

 The author's tone, humility, and transparency have been a balm for this heart.

UBMer's will see many practices, attitudes, and teachings that are familiar to them.

And a hopeful message of God's power to make all things work together for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28).

We prayed for truth...and God sent us to ministry XYZ

Have you ever said this
or heard it said by others.

RED FLAG.

We need to pray for more of Jesus and to know Him.
Not to simply know "truth."

We could become someone who is "always learning and never coming to knowledge of the truth."

The desire for more knowledge can puff us up...."Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies."

Get this book!!!

Breaking Free
Escaping an Exclusive Christian group.
by Reb Bradley


You will be blessed!

Hello and welcome!

Whom the Son sets free is FREE INDEED. 

May the Lord Jesus Christ minister to you, heal your heart, and restore your trust.
You are not crazy or rebellious, that still small voice speaking to you that SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE...is in fact, correct.

This blog is based on the fact and my personal experience that Unleavened Bread Ministries is at the present time, a Bible based cult. This blog is encouraging you to test all things: teachings, teachers, and ministries with the unchanging Word of God.

 Deception begins, ironically, with but a little leaven. We all have had the phrase drilled into us "a little leaven leavens the whole lump..." What truth!

If you are just beginning the healing journey, be encouraged and be strong in the Lord!

You will grieve. You will be angry. You will be hurt. You have been hurt in a very personal way but take heart....it gets DOES better. There is real healing and real hope available  in the REAL Jesus Christ and the REAL gospel. 

Don't except any substitutes!


May He lead to you to green pastures and still waters. (Psalm 23)

A fellow pilgrim 

Dialogue welcome

Dear UBM friends,

I am happy to dialogged with anyone from the ministry provided it is done in a safe and mutually respectful manner.

I am choosing to remain anonymous as a form of self protection. I know your ministry has the ability to send out emails to hundreds of people and speak to hundreds via internet. 

There has been a pattern of people being attack on air and by email, who have not had the ability to defend themselves, nor even present their perspective. I have researched many of these and found out that the persecutions, were indeed unfounded - and out of biblical order.

 So- you are welcome to speak to me via this blog- which is a public forum.

I have no aught, offense, or bitterness against David or anyone else at UBM. 

On the contrary, I care very deeply for all of them. God knows the prayers and tears I have shed for you.

Two  thing that will not be tolerated:

1. Personal attacks against me. 

2. Long dreams accusing other people of sin. 

Other than that- honest questions are welcomed.

You don't like this blog? 

You're welcome to express that opinion as well.

Unleavened Bread Ministries IS a cult

It is :
1) Spiritually dangerous. If your family member or friend are involved with this group- PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM.  Ask others to pray with you. Pray and fast that God Himself would open their eyes and deliver them! There is probably some sort of check in your own spirit that something is "off." Yes, it is.


2) Not a five fold ministry- but a one fold ministry. It is Nicolaitan, even as it teaches against the Nicolaitan system.  There is no opinion operating there that goes against David.  The one time true elders attempted to bring correction to David, in public, in July 2011, they were refused. And at that time, three elders left UBM.They have since repented of partaking and promoting false doctrine. ( Email me for contact info. They are not involved in this website personally, however.)

3) Evil treatment of dissenters, critics, and ex-UBMers.

• They are slandered on the radio and UBM website.

• They are shunned by former friends.

• Personal counseling emails are used to destroy the character of the witnesses, which is such a horrible abuse of confidence. I have found out that several of the people publicly crucifed during the UBM radio broadcasts are actually solid Christians....and in fact, victims of a wicked smear campaign. They have email proof of threatening, bullying, and intimidating emails.  Jesus said To bless those who curse you. Bless them and curse them not. It is spiritual witchcraft to speak and say word curses over anyone...believers, non-believers, even enemies. It is an unclean spirit that does that.

The UBM congregation is forbidden contact with them through the "Faction doctrine." In this doctrine, anyone who speaks against UBM or David Eells, even with a true, biblical eye witness of sin, is considered to be a slanderer and demon possessed. Follows are told that if they talk to these people, read their writings, or "receive their accusation" - they too will become demonized. A biblical correction is labeled "Korah rebellion" with David Eells cast as Moses. Or they are called "Judases" with David Eells cast as Jesus Christ.

4) Spiritual control through fear of falling away, fear of becoming a Judas or a Jezebel.

5) Implication that if you leave UBM- you are no longer a Christian. This is the biggest and most dangerous part of the delusion. This false teaching keeps people yoked to a deceptive, and fallen away organization.

6) Many and consistent failed dates of judgment. From July 2010- September 2011 there was the teachings about Planet X coming...it of course, it did not. This is one in a long list of failed prophesies.
7) Reliance on dreams, instead of the Holy Spirit. 
1 Corinthian 14 speaks of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These will always be ignored and discounted
if they contradict or rebuke David. While at UBM, you will receive the same religious spirit, receive many many dreams that agree with David. If you refuse this spirit, renounce it, and cast it out. The lying dreams will stop.

8) It is simply not what it appears to be. The image does not match the reality. Some UBMers know that, and are more guilty. Most, do not, and would not believe it. They would prefer to discredit the messenger.
And this is what Israel did, while in apostasy. They would kill prophets of God sent to bring rebuke.

Come out from among them and be ye separate.

9) One of the strongest elements of the deception, is the multitude of supernatural signs, wonders and "confirmations" to confirm the message, anointing, and 'apostleship" of David Eells. The signs are real...and if you get involved, they will probably happen to you. However, Jesus warns against LYING SIGNS AND WONDERS. A Lying sign and a lying wonder, is a supernatural event that confirms- gives evidence to- and supports- a lie.

10) Reliance on divination, numerology, and astrology.
In order to hear from God, we were taught to open our bibles, put our fingers down at random, and receive a voice from the Lord in this manner. I now believe this is a form of divination. Why do we need these devices when we have the Holy Spirit who speaks to our spirit? Why do we look for number so to speak to us? I was seeing 10:44 and 11:44 all of the time, and this was supposed to "confirm' that I was part of the Bride.
Saints, this is paganism. We do not see the church in the Book of Acts using these methods to hear from God and receive His guidance.  After the Holy Spirit is poured out in Acts chapter 2, we no longer see the church using lots, to make a decision.

If you are an intercessor, pray against Jezebel, witchcraft, control, and spiritual pride.
I praise God for the people He will set free!!


There but the grace of God go I.
 I write and warn, in a spirit of grace and love. I was once in your shoes, and by grace I have been set free. It was a free gift of God the deception and delusion that I was happily feasting on. And \the idols in my heart that brought me there. I was granted repentance. Hallelujah!!!


I have now seen and experienced a deception that could deceive "even the elect."  This gives me fear of the Lord and appreciation for grace. I also have a  strong incentive to not judge or accuse people, but rather to warn against spirits, ideas, and structures that the enemy to enslave.

The greatest desire of my heart is for everyone affiliated with UBM, from the head to the feet, to be set free.

Self censorship

You learn how to speak, how to think, how to write. There are certain "acceptable phrases."
And once you leave, these really jump out at you.

There is also a hyper-religious way of writing/speaking, that mimics the writing style of UBM's founder and Head teacher.

I can read old emails and see the same stilted writing style in my own writings.
For example:

Greetings beloved,
I hope this email finds you in peace. I have endured many trials of late, and it is the manifest grace of God that helps me to endure this cross. I covet your prayers.

I guess that's okay, if that is your voice, but it was not mine.
I am more likely to write,

Hi guys,
GBU. :) Hope you are well. Please keep me in prayer...I need it.

And yes I did the color thing. And used the ASV bible. And used the proper font- which is, in case you never noticed, Arial- in bold and italicized for Scripture. 




In case you never noticed, what small things we can do to fit in, and convey an image of righteousness.

I know make a conscious effort to use my own voice...trusting the Holy Spirit to speak through me, and to listen for His leading. BUT to affect another's manerisms...in order to be accepted by the group.
That is part of erasing your own identity to assume that of another.
And the only life we want to put on- is that of Jesus Christ....not of a man.

If you read religious writings of other cults, and small spiritual groups, you will notice the mannerisms and affectations of the followers. If you are in UBM, or recently come out...it may sound familiar to you.

If the shoe fits...

It becomes more and more clear that the C word really does apply,
Cult.
This word is  offensive,  humiliating, ugly.
 It implies victimization and mind control.
But I thought I had a revelation to share with everyone else.
And there were signs and wonders to confirm it....

How in the world, was I sucked in? I read the Word, I'm college educated...
But it is pride and naivete to underestimate the weaknesses and needs in our own hearts
AND the wiles of our spiritual enemy.

I came to UBM with a lot of brokenness and need. Not spiritual brokenness, which is good, but
emotional brokenness, which not healed by Jesus Christ, is an open wound...that can fester.

When you are isolated...rejected....abused.....neglected....there is a great great need for connection.

Which is why the Word says "Guard your hearts." GUARD THEM. As in- heavy duty security system.:)

I don't think this means to be fearful, paranoid, or closed off to relationships but rather to be extremely cautious and discerning about WHO AND WHAT YOU GIVE YOUR HEART TO.

Jesus wants our heart. And we don't need to give our heart to a ministry, or a teacher, as an intermediary.
Even a teacher, who is teaching us to not give our heart to man or a ministry.


Did you know that multitudes of cults start out with some good understanding, intentions and revelation?
But so often they go astray.

 Hundreds, or even thousands of them have. 

Are you standing on the rock of Jesus Christ?
Or does something else have your heart?

Are you isolated?
Do you long for fellowship? Or are you satisfied with the fellowship of Jesus Christ?

I believe unsatisfied longings...of any stripe can be exploited.

Delight yourself IN THE LORD and HE will give you the desires of your heart.

I desired fellowship, companionship, company, and camaraderie.
I was also looking for identity. Who was I? I was outside the camp...in the wilderness...and I was lonely there.

So I became one of those who gave my gold ( sacrifice) to build a golden calf ( a religious structure I could see/touch) instead of being as Joshua to go up the mountain and commune with the Father.
(Wow this is coming to me as I write it- Thank you Lord!)

Praying

Brethren,
I do not wish to sow strife. That is an abomination to the Lord. He hates it and I love Him
and you.
I have taken into account your comments and do repent of taking matters into my own hands.
I apologize for hurting anyone...or giving you cause to not examine the warnings presented.

My heart is to help you but I guess God can do that! I do believe there IS dangerous error...so that's not a personal attack- but a WARNING. Do not let my actions keep you from considering the scriptures presented. Regardless of whether or not I did this "right' or whether or not you know my name...there is a message here...and the purpose is to glorify God and to help you.

REPOST: Please pray about it!

I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel (Galatians 1:6)

This blog is created to warn you  to FLEE DECEPTION and to point you to Jesus Christ. If you are partaking of that bread- which is indeed leavened, you are in great spiritual danger, not to mention idolatry. This deception has literally killed people.

Any spirit, dream, vision or word that does not agree with the spirit, motive, fruit and goal of the Word- is to be rejected.

This warning is sent in love...love of God, love for my friends who are under this deception, and a love of Jesus Christ.

You have been programmed to refuse many warnings, both from the Holy Spirit, and from other people who have been set free. I hope to help you see the idolatry that has opened the door to this lying spirit...and point you to the Word- by which you may test ALL THINGS.


  And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. (Matthew 4: 4-5)

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him. “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.“Behold, I have told you in advance. “So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them. (Matthew 24: 23-26)

Mind Control Tool Box

Copyright © Cultwatch 1996 - 2001. Written by Mark Vrankovich
Important Note

Remember, all together these form Mind Control. Separately they are undesirable but they are not Mind Control.


Deception

A cult will use deception. The cult will not normally tell people exactly what they believe, their origins, what they practice, and what life is really like in the cult, because if people knew they would not join. This information is taught to the new recruit slowly and in pieces - a "frog in the pot" tactic.

Deception is a key pre-requsite to Mind Control. The cult must be willing to deceive people. The Bible teaches that Christians are not to use deception. Many cults know this and yet practice deception.

Deception is a very effective tool in the Mind Control Tool Box.


Exclusivism

A mind control cult will promote an "Us verses Them" environment. They will teach their members that their church is the only true church, the only church in which you can be saved. If you leave the cult then it is said you have "fallen away from God." This is done to instill fear in the members which can be expressed like this: If you ever think of leaving this body of true Christians or do something which forces us to expel you from this body then you will be losing your salvation and God will hate you. There is nowhere else you can go and still be a Christian. This is a powerful control mechanism.

Exclusivism is fear based control mechanism, the Bible tells us that we have no reason to fear except for a healthy fear of God. Exclusivism imposes false criteria on salvation - "If you do not join us and/or if you are not doing what we are doing you are not saved." This of course is a serious doctrinal error ingrained in the practice of the group. Remember, just because a group does not teach it officially does not mean they do not practice it.


Fear and Intimidation

Leadership is feared. To disagree with leadership is to disagree with God. If the leaders tell you to do something, you had better do it. Often intense breaking sessions are employed to destroy any supposed rebellion or threat to the leadership. These sessions can involve many people at once attacking the character and motives of the target.

The Bible tells Christians not to "lord it over people," but rather to be one another's servants. Jesus attacked the Pharisees who placed themselves between God and the people. It does not take much to realize that fear and intimidation is not the biblical model for Christian leadership. (Fear and Intimidation is very different from having respect for Christian leaders.)


Love Bombing

A mind control cult practices love bombing or false love. When you first join the cult you will gain instant friends, you'll be hugged and everyone will want to talk to you. For someone who is lonely or comes from out of town this is especially wonderful. However, after a while this "love" becomes conditional on your performance and/or you measuring up to the cult's unpublished standards. If you ever leave the cult then you know you will lose all of your new friends just as quickly as you gained them. Like an unhealthy marriage relationship, love is switched on and off to control. Of all of them, this is probably the most effective implement in the mind control tool box.

We are relational beings with the ultimate aim of regaining a relationship with the God who created us. It only requires common sense to see the power this "love bombing" tool could have on someone. We have all seen it at work in the cults, at work in manipulative relationships and at work as peer pressure in schools and society in general. This false love is a distortion of true love which is defined in 1 Corinthians 13.


Information Control

Those who control the information control the person. In a mind control cult any information from outside the cult is considered evil, especially if it is opposing the cult. Members are told not to read it or believe it. Only the cult-supplied information is true.

This technique is really a partner to deception. Common sense tells us that a person who does not consider all information may make an unbalanced decision. Filtering the information available or trying to discredit it not of the basis of how true it is, but rather on the basis of how it supports the party line, is a common control method used throughout history. A Christian should have nothing to fear from any source of information - after all "Falsehood runs from truth, but truth stands solid against falsehood."


Reporting Structure

In a mind control cult like in Nazi Germany or Communist Russia you must be careful of what you say or do; "The walls have ears." Everyone is encouraged to watch out for "struggling" brothers and report what they see to the leadership. Often information given in deepest confidence will find its way to leadership. Cult members are sometimes shocked to find their problems preached about in the cult meetings. People comment that while in a Mind Control cult they were acting, always being worried about people watching.

This is opposite to the biblical model. The Reporting Structure is an important fear producing method in the Mind Control Tool Box.


Loaded Language

The cult will have their own language and terms. These prevent people outside the group being able to engage in "dangerous" conversations with members and it gives the members a sense of belonging. It also allows a phenomenon known as thought stopping where a simple word can stop any thoughts in the member's mind which are against the cult.

Harmless by itself, "loaded language" is used in all areas of life from the computer industry to orthodox Christianity. Every group or specialist field develops its own words or meanings for words, and this is often called "jargon." However, when mixed in with the other Mind Control tools, "loaded language" can take on a threatening attribute which is unbiblical. For example, in the International Church of Christ cult "loaded language" is used throughout the world - a typical conversation might go like this...

"The Bible says that we are saved by grace, not by works. You are telling me that I must get people baptised or I'm not a real Christian," says the Disciple.

"I am more spiritually mature than you and you are questioning what I am saying. You are PRIDEFUL and REBELLIOUS, you need to get RADICAL about your SIN," replied his Discipler.

Prideful & rebellious = You are the problem, not the ICC teaching.
Radical = Plunge into obeying the ICC teaching.
Sin = Thinking or acting outside the ICC rules, often including disobeying your discipler.


Time Control

Mind control cults keep their members so busy with meetings and activities that they become too busy and too tired to think about their involvement.

Again, common sense allows us to see that this would be an effective tool for controlling people. The flip side to this is that if a person can get out of the cult's "time control" schedule then after a few weeks, in our experience, they can begin to contrast "normal" life with the controlled cult environment and often this results in them leaving. The ICC, in New Zealand at least, has preached that it is best to not have a holiday at Christmas because that is when most people fall away from God (leave the ICC).


Relationship Control

A mind control cult will seek to maneuver your life so as to maximise your contact with cult members and minimise your contact with people outside the group, especially those who oppose your involvement. Cult members will be moved into cult communities or cult flats where they can be watched more closely and immersed in the cult environment. The cult must cut off any contact through which information or reminders of your past life will come. You cannot marry or date anyone outside of the cult and often your spouse will be chosen.

Controlling relationships is a powerful Mind Control method. Friends and family are important influences on our lives. By controlling those who we associate with and those who we respect, a Mind Control cult can influence a person towards becoming like those people who are "good" to be around. The Bible tells us that those we associate with do effect us. Every parent knows that the peers their child associates with affects the child, moving them towards what the peers have as a norm. All people are affected by society and the groups to which they belong. By defining who is "good" and who is "bad" the Mind Control cult is attempting to move the subject towards the "group norm" that their group has. Often intense pressure is put on people to stay away from the "bad" people which are often friends, parents and their old church.


Personal Identity Replacement

Three stages are involved; breaking, indoctrination and finally refreezing.

Fear and intimidation are used to break a person. Often the cult calls into question a person's salvation, and in some cults a person is not truly broken until they are crying uncontrollably.

Next the cult indoctrinates the person by pumping them full of cult doctrine and systematically destroying anything which does not agree with the party line. If a person objects to anything, their sincerity, character and motives are questioned.

Finally the person is frozen into the cult member mold. They become like all the other cult members to a certain degree. Friends and family will complain that the cult member has become a different person. Often in the early stages the cult member will float between their true identity and their cult identity, but as their cult involvement continues their true identity becomes more and more repressed.

This is a well established method of changing how people act and think, to mold them into a team member like everyone else. The Armed Forces use this method in basic training and throughout the career of their soldier. The difference is, that unlike in a Mind Control cult, the Armed Forces recruits know what is going on; it is expected. The Mind Control cult recruit goes through this process covertly. The cult recruit does not lose his true personality but rather represses it. They realise that by conforming there is more acceptance and less pressure to change. This is why people in a Mind Control cult will often seem to think, act and sound the same, whereas in a normal church group individual personalities are more evident.


Summary

Mind Control is not what many secular authors have tried to portray it as - a magic method of controlling its targets against their will making them only victims. Neither is it what those in opposition to the secular Mind Control model have defined it as, in their reaction they let the pendulum swing to the other side saying that Mind Control does not exist and is a fable invented by anti-Christian secularists.

Cultwatch says that Mind Control is a suite of practices Mind Control groups use to influence their members and potential recruits, a real attempt to control their minds. There is an enormous amount of evidence that certain groups are employing the Mind Control methods.

Mind Control will fail or succeed to a certain degree depending on the many factors of its target. The target of Mind Control is always able to choose to stop allowing it to influence them.

Mind Control is a morally wrong, unbiblical and unethical practice for any group. All Christians and non-Christians should strongly oppose its use. Counter-cult groups should oppose its use, labeling correctly any group which has been proven to use it as a Mind Control cult.

http://www.cultwatch.com/mctb.html

10 signs of a spiritually unsafe group or leader

Rick Ross 

Ten warning signs of a potentially unsafe group/leader.

1. Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.
2. No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.
3. No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.
4. Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.
5. There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.
6. Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.
7. There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.
8. Followers feel they can never be "good enough".
9. The group/leader is always right.
10. The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.

Ten warning signs regarding people involved in/with a potentially unsafe group/leader.

1. Extreme obsessiveness regarding the group/leader resulting in the exclusion of almost every practical consideration.
2. Individual identity, the group, the leader and/or God as distinct and separate categories of existence become increasingly blurred. Instead, in the follower's mind these identities become substantially and increasingly fused--as that person's involvement with the group/leader continues and deepens.
3. Whenever the group/leader is criticized or questioned it is characterized as "persecution".
 
4. Uncharacteristically stilted and seemingly programmed conversation and mannerisms, cloning of the group/leader in personal behavior.
 
5. Dependency upon the group/leader for problem solving, solutions, and definitions without meaningful reflective thought. A seeming inability to think independently or analyze situations without group/leader involvement.
6. Hyperactivity centered on the group/leader agenda, which seems to supercede any personal goals or individual interests.
7. A dramatic loss of spontaneity and sense of humor.
8. Increasing isolation from family and old friends unless they demonstrate an interest in the group/leader.
9. Anything the group/leader does can be justified no matter how harsh or harmful.
10. Former followers are at best considered negative or worse evil and under bad influences. They can not be trusted and personal contact is avoided.

 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Mt 11: 28-30)

When someone once warned me - I replied "They called Jesus a cult leader too." Please forgive me Lord!

Was Jesus "factious"?

He separated people away from religious bondage unto himself. (LEGAL: We can warn people away from error unto Jesus)

He revealed the hidden sins of their heart- as shown to Him by the Holy Spirit.

Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” The crowd answered, “You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?” (John 7: 19-20)

He was right...they did have nurder in their heart.

He was not told this by a dream...or a religious spirit...but by a word of knowledge from a Holy God.

But listen to the response of the religious leaders:
-They attempted to shame him.
-They attempted to silence him.
-They brought his past sins against him.

They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out. (John 9:34) His testimony.... I was blind- but now I see.

Sound familiar?