Tuesday, May 28, 2013

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! frown.gif
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).

Sunday, March 10, 2013

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!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

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 





Friday, August 10, 2012

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.






Monday, January 16, 2012

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!)