Ari's Testimony Continued ...

I stopped going to follow-up team because what did I have to share with new people, except my confusion.Sharing my frustrations with others didn't help. Why not? Because I was all the time desiring the truth of God's Word because I was still a baby; and I wasn't receiving that milk. I never felt comfortable during praise and worship. Strange phraseology was used to encourage an extravagant style of praise and worship e.g. stretch your faith, comfort zones, catch the flow.A visiting leader remarked that we were doing well as a church because our praise and worship was of a good quality. But how was I to know. For me this was all a normal part of church. I saw strange methods of praying such as pushing on your belly to receive the Holy Spirit or trying to push you over backwards or praying to the Holy Spirit and making sure we get into the flow. Marching around buildings to pray out the evil spirits and marching during praise and worship was normal. But I never really felt comfortable when those things were happening. These activities were often hyped up into a kind of emotional frenzy. Then there were Toronto blessing manifestations. People making strange noises, laughing or crying hysterically, falling to the ground or being pinned to the ground. I used to complain because I often had to catch people who fell backwards. These manifestations were considered normal and to be desired. But I looked at those who were experiencing these things. Is that how God manifests His love and grace to us His children - by throwing us to the ground? I used togo home from meetings confused and often upset; and my heart was crying out in pain. I was a baby and I was starving because I wasn't getting milk, and therefore I wasn't growing. But isn't that what a church is for? To help new Christians grow ("Feed my lambs." - John 21:15). My Christian life and witness was going nowhere. Guess who came to my rescue: Jesus, my risen Saviour.Second half of 1996...My brother had experienced similar problems in his spiritual life. In 1996 he returned to our original church and encouraged me to attend a First Principles course - an informal Bible study of the foundational teachings of Christ (listed in Heb 6:1-2) for new Christians (babies). The First Principles evenings quenched my thirst. Simple Bible teaching straight from the Word of God - no frills attached. After 10 years I was for the first time receiving the milk of the Word just like the Bible teaches (1 Peter 2:2), and I started to grow. By receiving Foundation teaching and instruction from the Word I began to slowly understand, what it means to be a believer and how we should live as Christians. Thank you Jesus! I felt freedom. Why? Because the truth sets free and the truth comes from the Word of God. (John 8:31,32; Acts 20:32). Jesus said we must continue in His Word. Jesus committed His doctrine to the 12 Apostles (Matthew 28:19,20;Acts 1:2,3; Acts 2:42). Thus we can only find ourselves growing in Christ as we apply ourselves to the truth as Jesus taught (as recorded in the New Testament). At the same time I had become interested in the Bible version issue (which one can I trust?). I used the Internet to do research and was quite shocked at what I found. I now only accept the King James Version as the authoritative English translation. Even a simple verse comparison can show how cunningly the Deity of Christ is watered down in the modern versions. It was via the Internet also that I began to learn more about the worldwide Toronto Blessing phenomenon. I began to understand that there is no scriptural support for it and that it is associated with unscriptural doctrine and has unscriptural roots. My personal conviction is that the so-called Toronto blessing is a deception that is not from God but rather engineered by Satan to lead us away from the truth of God's Word by appealing to the lusts of the flesh. How can Christians barking like dogs, be an expression of Christ in us!? I prayed very earnestly that God would lead me to the truth in all these matters and protect me from any deception.I noticed unscriptural things being said at church meetings, quotes were often made from other books, and then there were prophecies where almost anything was allowed. The preachings and teachings were complicated,strange and hard to understand. I went again to the Foundations course tosee if anything had changed after 10 years with regard to foundational doctrinal teaching. I could barely endure the sessions. Now that I had grown some tastebuds I could taste the difference. It was terrible. I couldn't stand what I was hearing. The teaching had not only changed significantly but some basic things weren't being taught at all, and some of the teaching wasn't coming >from the Bible. This was when I knew I had to leave.I began to take notes during most church meetings of what was preached and taught. I noticed that often whatever new doctrine the lead apostle came up with, so even at the homegroups the same would be taught and the same printed in the church magazine. I got some literature that had been written by the leaders and analyzed it. Most of it wasn't in line with what the Bible teaches for Christians; many quotes were not from the Bible. There were strange doctrines; some of which were based on isolated quotes taken from the Old Testament and somehow made to apply to a New Testament church today. I had to walk (I ran!) out of a church meeting one Sunday evening because the pastor said during praise and worship: "when the song says kneel, you kneel". His attitude was flippant. I felt that this was legalistic and brought one into bondage to man's ideas. I met with the pastor to discuss the issue but I never got satisfactory answers to all my concerns. Another elder told me that "if there are 300 people in the church and many with degrees, and they feel happy with what's going on, then we must be doing things right". It was difficult to leave but I'm so glad I did. I now fellowship regularly at a small church which follows the New Testament teachings which Jesus Christ gave to His church to keep us until that Day. I thank God that He answered my earnest prayer and led me to the Living Water - Jesus Christ (and His word). I give Him all the glory and honor.Conclusions...and convictions...I went through much pain on the inside when I was struggling with all these issues. Can Christians really be deceived? Why does the Bible warn us so often to closely watch and guard ourselves against false doctrine? Why are there so many such warnings in the Word of God? There must be a reason why God has given us these warnings."And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." Mt 24:11"that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch..."Acts 29:30,31"...there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring indamnable heresies..." 2 Pet 2:1"And many shall follow their pernicious ways" 2:2"when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh" 2 Pet 2:18"While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption" 2 Pet 2:19"which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." 2 Pet 3:16"because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1"For there are certain men crept in unawares," Jude 4"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3,4"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" 1 Timothy 4:1"for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first" 2 Thess 2:3"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" Ephesians 4:14"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ." 2 Cor 11:13"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Mt 7:15"But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them" 2 Timothy 3:13,14"These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you." 1 John 2:26"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines." Heb 13:8,9 Preaching and teaching that which is not in line with the Word of God doesn't come from God, but rather from our own minds which can be easily deceived and influenced by Satan. Our mind is weak and part of the flesh.It is easily deceived. We need to guard ourselves. That's why we have the Word of God to guide us. The Word of God has God's authority. The Word of God is infallible and authoritative and anything which is outside the teaching of Jesus should be avoided. In these last days the devil is trying his utmost to deceive the Church as he has done since the days of the early church. I believe the Toronto manifestations and the various associated doctrines are unscriptural and therefore not from God, and it is dangerous when preaching and teaching of unscriptural things are allowed. A lack of interest in the Bible results in a person seeking impetus for spiritual growth from external sources. Let's not give the enemy any place. The devil is a master of deception and the only way we as Christians can be safe is by abiding in Christ and in His Word. Discernment comes from the Word of God (Heb 5:12-14). Anything that does not glorify Christ should be avoided especially if it instead glorifies man and the flesh (Rom 8:8). Our desire to please God can never be used as a license to allow God's Word to be compromised. People's lives are at stake. The Word of God commands us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). Salvation is not a light matter to be toyed with.Foundational Bible teaching is very important for new born again Christians in order to establish a foundation in their lives on which they can build.This is scriptural. Imagine trying to build a house without a foundation.This foundation is also aptly called the "milk of the word". No milk - no growth. My scars show the truth of this.I thank God for replacing my confusion with His truth. And His truth is always centered on Jesus Christ, my Risen Savior and Redeemer. He suffered and shed His blood for my sins so that I could be freed from God's judgement and wrath which was my lot as a sinner. What a hope we have to look forward to! Resurrection and eternal life with Jesus. Let's encourage one another with this hope, remain steadfast and continue in His word "and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb 10:25). As we hold fast to Jesus, God will keep us until that Day by His grace. For me the following verse is a great encouragement: "forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark..." Philippians 3:13,14 The gospel of Christ:"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:16-18

Verse references.1 Peter 2:2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.Heb 6:1-2 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement.John 8:31,32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.Acts 20:32 And, now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace,which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.Matthew 28:19,20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.Acts 1:2,3 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.Heb 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness:for he is a babe.But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling .--


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I saw strange methods of praying such as pushing on your belly to receive the Holy Spirit or trying to push you over backwards or praying to the Holy Spirit and making sure we get into the flow. Marching around buildings to pray out the evil spirits and marching during praise and worship was normal. But I never really felt comfortable when those things were happening. These activities were often hyped up into a kind of emotional frenzy. Then there were Toronto blessing manifestations. People making strange noises, laughing or crying hysterically, falling to the ground or being pinned to the ground. I used to complain because I often had to catch people who fell backwards. These manifestations were considered normal and to be desired. But I looked at those who were experiencing these things. Is that how God manifests His love and grace to us His children - by throwing us to the ground? I used togo home from meetings confused and often upset; and my heart was crying out in pain. I was a baby and I was starving because I wasn't getting milk, and therefore I wasn't growing. But isn't that what a church is for? To help new Christians grow ("Feed my lambs." - John 21:15). My Christian life and witness was going nowhere. Guess who came to my rescue: Jesus, my risen Saviour.Second half of 1996...My brother had experienced similar problems in his spiritual life. In 1996 he returned to our original church and encouraged me to attend a First Principles course - an informal Bible study of the foundational teachings of Christ (listed in Heb 6:1-2) for new Christians (babies). The First Principles evenings quenched my thirst. Simple Bible teaching straight from the Word of God - no frills attached. After 10 years I was for the first time receiving the milk of the Word just like the Bible teaches (1 Peter 2:2), and I started to grow. By receiving Foundation teaching and instruction from the Word I began to slowly understand, what it means to be a believer and how we should live as Christians. Thank you Jesus! I felt freedom. Why? Because the truth sets free and the truth comes from the Word of God. (John 8:31,32; Acts 20:32). Jesus said we must continue in His Word. Jesus committed His doctrine to the 12 Apostles (Matthew 28:19,20;Acts 1:2,3; Acts 2:42). Thus we can only find ourselves growing in Christ as we apply ourselves to the truth as Jesus taught (as recorded in the New Testament). At the same time I had become interested in the Bible version issue (which one can I trust?). I used the Internet to do research and was quite shocked at what I found. I now only accept the King James Version as the authoritative English translation. Even a simple verse comparison can show how cunningly the Deity of Christ is watered down in the modern versions. It was via the Internet also that I began to learn more about the worldwide Toronto Blessing phenomenon. I began to understand that there is no scriptural support for it and that it is associated with unscriptural doctrine and has unscriptural roots. My personal conviction is that the so-called Toronto blessing is a deception that is not from God but rather engineered by Satan to lead us away from the truth of God's Word by appealing to the lusts of the flesh. How can Christians barking like dogs, be an expression of Christ in us!? I prayed very earnestly that God would lead me to the truth in all these matters and protect me from any deception.I noticed unscriptural things being said at church meetings, quotes were often made from other books, and then there were prophecies where almost anything was allowed. The preachings and teachings were complicated,strange and hard to understand. I went again to the Foundations course tosee if anything had changed after 10 years with regard to foundational doctrinal teaching. I could barely endure the sessions. Now that I had grown some tastebuds I could taste the difference. It was terrible. I couldn't stand what I was hearing. The teaching had not only changed significantly but some basic things weren't being taught at all, and some of the teaching wasn't coming >from the Bible. This was when I knew I had to leave.I began to take notes during most church meetings of what was preached and taught. I noticed that often whatever new doctrine the lead apostle came up with, so even at the homegroups the same would be taught and the same printed in the church magazine. I got some literature that had been written by the leaders and analyzed it. Most of it wasn't in line with what the Bible teaches for Christians; many quotes were not from the Bible. There were strange doctrines; some of which were based on isolated quotes taken from the Old Testament and somehow made to apply to a New Testament church today. I had to walk (I ran!) out of a church meeting one Sunday evening because the pastor said during praise and worship: "when the song says kneel, you kneel". His attitude was flippant. I felt that this was legalistic and brought one into bondage to man's ideas. I met with the pastor to discuss the issue but I never got satisfactory answers to all my concerns. Another elder told me that "if there are 300 people in the church and many with degrees, and they feel happy with what's going on, then we must be doing things right". It was difficult to leave but I'm so glad I did. I now fellowship regularly at a small church which follows the New Testament teachings which Jesus Christ gave to His church to keep us until that Day. I thank God that He answered my earnest prayer and led me to the Living Water - Jesus Christ (and His word). I give Him all the glory and honor.Conclusions...and convictions...I went through much pain on the inside when I was struggling with all these issues. Can Christians really be deceived? Why does the Bible warn us so often to closely watch and guard ourselves against false doctrine? Why are there so many such warnings in the Word of God? There must be a reason why God has given us these warnings."And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." Mt 24:11"that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch..."Acts 29:30,31"...there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring indamnable heresies..." 2 Pet 2:1"And many shall follow their pernicious ways" 2:2"when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh" 2 Pet 2:18"While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption" 2 Pet 2:19"which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." 2 Pet 3:16"because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1"For there are certain men crept in unawares," Jude 4"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3,4"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" 1 Timothy 4:1"for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first" 2 Thess 2:3"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" Ephesians 4:14"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ." 2 Cor 11:13"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Mt 7:15"But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them" 2 Timothy 3:13,14"These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you." 1 John 2:26"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines." Heb 13:8,9 Preaching and teaching that which is not in line with the Word of God doesn't come from God, but rather from our own minds which can be easily deceived and influenced by Satan. Our mind is weak and part of the flesh.It is easily deceived. We need to guard ourselves. That's why we have the Word of God to guide us. The Word of God has God's authority. The Word of God is infallible and authoritative and anything which is outside the teaching of Jesus should be avoided. In these last days the devil is trying his utmost to deceive the Church as he has done since the days of the early church. I believe the Toronto manifestations and the various associated doctrines are unscriptural and therefore not from God, and it is dangerous when preaching and teaching of unscriptural things are allowed. A lack of interest in the Bible results in a person seeking impetus for spiritual growth from external sources. Let's not give the enemy any place. The devil is a master of deception and the only way we as Christians can be safe is by abiding in Christ and in His Word. Discernment comes from the Word of God (Heb 5:12-14). Anything that does not glorify Christ should be avoided especially if it instead glorifies man and the flesh (Rom 8:8). Our desire to please God can never be used as a license to allow God's Word to be compromised. People's lives are at stake. The Word of God commands us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). Salvation is not a light matter to be toyed with.Foundational Bible teaching is very important for new born again Christians in order to establish a foundation in their lives on which they can build.This is scriptural. Imagine trying to build a house without a foundation.This foundation is also aptly called the "milk of the word". No milk - no growth. My scars show the truth of this.I thank God for replacing my confusion with His truth. And His truth is always centered on Jesus Christ, my Risen Savior and Redeemer. He suffered and shed His blood for my sins so that I could be freed from God's judgement and wrath which was my lot as a sinner. What a hope we have to look forward to! Resurrection and eternal life with Jesus. Let's encourage one another with this hope, remain steadfast and continue in His word "and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb 10:25). As we hold fast to Jesus, God will keep us until that Day by His grace. For me the following verse is a great encouragement: "forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark..." Philippians 3:13,14 The gospel of Christ:"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:16-18 Verse references.1 Peter 2:2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.Heb 6:1-2 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement.John 8:31,32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.Acts 20:32 And, now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace,which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.Matthew 28:19,20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.Acts 1:2,3 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.Heb 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness:for he is a babe.But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling .-- Return to Testimonial Page H back to top
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Ari's Testimony Continued...