{"id":10006,"date":"2025-09-09T20:25:22","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T00:25:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tclleader.com\/?p=10006"},"modified":"2025-09-10T20:38:35","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T00:38:35","slug":"discussion-true-church-vs-occult-style-ministry-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tclleader.com\/?p=10006","title":{"rendered":"PART 1 BOOK OF ACTS MINISTERS: TRUE CHURCH VS OCCULT STYLE MINISTRY?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Part 1: Book of Acts Ministers<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

True Church vs. Occult-Style Ministry<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Discerning the Spirit of Christ from the Spirit of Pride and Abuse<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

“Many will say, (and this is said by Jesus (notably) to the Book of Acts ,saved Christian ministers<\/strong>)<\/em><\/p>\n

“Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy<\/strong> in Your Name? Didn’t we cast out devils in<\/strong> Your Name? Didn’t we do signs and wonders<\/strong> in Your Name? And He will say, “Depart from me, I never knew you, y<\/strong>ou who practices “lawlessness” (iniquity)<\/strong> “Strong’s Bible Concordance “Use False Authority”<\/strong> Matthew 7:21-23<\/em><\/p>\n

(C)2025 Taveau D’Arcy All copyrights reserved under international copyright laws<\/p>\n

Lesson 1: The Marks of a True Church vs. a Cult Ministry<\/strong><\/span>
\nIntro<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Not all that calls itself \u201cprophetic\u201d o<\/strong>r \u201cChristian\u201d reflects Christ. Some ministries adopt patterns that look more like cults or occult circles\u2014exalting gifts, personalities, or forms\u2014while ignoring Christ\u2019s body life and holy fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key Verses<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

James 2:1,9<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cHave not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ\u2026 with respect of persons\u2026 if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Acts 5:11 \u2013<\/strong> \u201cGreat fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.\u201d (sober HOLY fear of the Lord)<\/span><\/p>\n

Galatians 3:28 \u2013<\/strong> \u201cYe are all one in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

False Marks<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Respect of persons: only certain types are honored.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elevating gifts over Christ.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lack of holy fear\u2014more afraid of losing status than offending God.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ordinary saints, especially women, are dismissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

True Church Marks<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

All are one in Christ.<\/span><\/p>\n

Christ is the Head; every member is needed (1 Cor. 12:21).<\/span><\/p>\n

Holy fear of God governs behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n

The weak, small, and ordinary are valued.<\/span><\/p>\n

Application<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ask: Do we honor all members equally? Do we walk in fear of God or fear of man?<\/span><\/p>\n

Lesson 2: Old Testament Warning \u2013 Eli, His Sons, and Respect of Persons<\/span><\/strong>
\nIntro<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Eli the priest gives us a sobering picture of leadership gone wrong\u2014favoring his sons and dishonoring God. This mirrors how cult-like ministries protect their elites while ignoring God\u2019s standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key Verses<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

1 Samuel 2:12 \u2013 \u201cNow the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

1 Samuel 2:30 \u2013 \u201cThem that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Isaiah 29:13 \u2013 \u201cThis people draw near me with their mouth\u2026 but have removed their heart far from me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

False Practices<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Eli\u2019s tolerance of his sons\u2019 abuse of the priesthood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Protecting status instead of honoring God.<\/span><\/p>\n

A culture of impunity for the \u201cchosen few.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

True Model<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Prophets like Samuel: faithful, impartial, listening to God.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deborah and Huldah: women called and honored by God in authority.<\/span><\/p>\n

God honors those who honor Him, not those who protect their turf.<\/span><\/p>\n

Application<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ask: Are we covering sin to protect our favorites? Do we value God\u2019s holiness above human relationships?<\/span><\/p>\n

Lesson 3: The Spirit of Christ vs. Dangerous Spirits in Ministry<\/span><\/strong>
\nIntro<\/span><\/p>\n

We must discern between the Spirit of Christ and false, dangerous spirits that masquerade in ministries<\/span><\/strong>. Jesus\u2019 church is built on love, humility, and service. False ministries thrive on pride, intimidation, and elitism.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key Verses<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1 Cor. 13:2 \u2013 \u201cThough I have the gift of prophecy\u2026 and have not charity, (Jesus heart of compassion ,empathetic real Love)I am nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

John 7:24 \u2013 \u201cJudge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Matthew 25:40 \u2013 \u201cInasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these\u2026 ye have done it unto me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Spirit of Christ<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Humility, service, love.<\/span><\/p>\n

Holy fear of God.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fellowship in the light (1 John 1:7).<\/span><\/p>\n

Honors all members equally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dangerous Spirits<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Pride in gifts, superiority, intimidation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spectral evidence: accusations based on visions, suspicions, \u201creadings.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Control, exclusion, dishonor of women and ordinary saints.<\/span><\/p>\n

No holy fear\u2014fear of losing power instead of reverencing God.<\/span><\/p>\n

Application<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Test every spirit (1 John 4:1).<\/span><\/p>\n

Guard against elitism in your own heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Return to Christ as the Head; gifts are grace, not weapons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Closing Challenge for the Series<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cult\/occult-style ministries may exalt seer gifts and control people, but they lack love, humility, and fear of God.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The true Church\u2014born again in Christ\u2014values every believer, from the least to the greatest, walking in reverence before God.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Let us reject abusive patterns<\/strong> and return to the simplicity of Christ.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor we preach not ourselves, b<\/strong>ut Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus\u2019 sake.\u201d (2 Cor. 4:5).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

SECOND SECTION:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Seer Gift and Office: True Authority vs. Abuse<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

1. Introduction: The Rise of the \u201cAll-Knowing Seer\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
    \n
  • \n

    In today\u2019s charismatic world, \u201cseer\u201d gifting is highly emphasized. Many are sincerely called, but some fall into superior pride<\/strong> or abusive practices<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    A true seer operates as a servant of Christ. A false seer uses gifting to intimidate, control, or elevate self<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    This lesson draws from Scripture to separate authentic authority<\/strong> from soulish or abusive misuse<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    2. The Seer Gift in the Bible<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
      \n
    • \n

      Old Testament Seers:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • \n

        Samuel was called a seer<\/em> (1 Sam. 9:9). He faithfully heard God and spoke truth without favoritism.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Elisha saw into the enemy\u2019s plans (2 Kings 6:12) as God revealed it for protection\u2014not to spy on men.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        New Testament:<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • \n

          The term \u201cseer\u201d is not used, but the gift of prophecy, word of knowledge, and visions by the Spirit are affirmed (1 Cor. 12:7\u201310; Acts 10:9\u201311; Acts 21:10\u201311).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Christ is the Head; seers and prophets are servants (Eph. 4:11\u201313).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          3. True Authority vs. False Superiority<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

          True Seer Authority<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
            \n
          • \n

            Rooted in Christ\u2019s lordship, not self (Col. 2:19).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Functions within Ephesians 4 purpose<\/strong>: equipping, building unity, maturing the body.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Operates in humility<\/strong>: \u201cWe preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.\u201d<\/em> (2 Cor. 4:5).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Accountability: submits to Scripture, Spirit, and the body.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Fruit: clarity, comfort, edification, repentance, protection.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            False Seer Superiority<\/strong><\/h3>\n
              \n
            • \n

              Rooted in pride: flaunts \u201caccuracy,\u201d demands respect, or guards turf.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Uses gift to intimidate, label, or exclude others.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Elevates personal insight above Scripture or above other leaders.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Produces fear, suspicion, division, or spiritual elitism.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n

              Functions like Diotrephes<\/strong>, who loved preeminence (3 John 9).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              4. The Abuse of Authority<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
                \n
              • \n

                Abuse occurs when:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • \n

                  Gift becomes a weapon to control<\/strong> rather than serve.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                • \n

                  Prophetic words become diagnoses or accusations<\/strong> rather than encouragement.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                • \n

                  Leaders build dependency<\/strong> on themselves instead of pointing people to Christ.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n

                • \n

                  Jesus condemned this spirit: \u201cThe kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship\u2026 but ye shall not be so: he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.\u201d<\/em> (Luke 22:25\u201326).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  5. The Dangers of Pride in the Seer Office<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
                    \n
                  • \n

                    Pride in gifts leads to blindness: \u201cKnowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.\u201d<\/em> (1 Cor. 8:1).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                  • \n

                    Pride in authority leads to domination: \u201cNeither as being lords over God\u2019s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.\u201d<\/em> (1 Pet. 5:3).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                  • \n

                    Pride in power leads to abuse: Simon the sorcerer sought power to lay hands and give the Spirit (Acts 8:18\u201320).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    6. The Spirit of Christ vs. Dangerous Spirits<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
                    \n
                    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                    Spirit of Christ<\/strong><\/th>\nDangerous False Spirit<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
                    Humility<\/td>\nSuperiority & arrogance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                    Service<\/td>\nControl & intimidation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                    Edification<\/td>\nAccusation & suspicion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                    Fellowship (1 John 1:7)<\/td>\nIsolation, exclusion, \u201cus vs. them\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                    Grace gift<\/td>\nWorks, rituals, conjuring<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                    Jesus-centered<\/td>\nProphet-centered<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                     <\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                    THIRD SECTION\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Very Common These Last Days : One<\/strong> of the most urgent warnings the Church needs right now: when a ministry begins to act more like a cult or occult circle<\/strong> than the true Body of Christ<\/strong>. Let\u2019s break it down with Bible depth, showing the contrast, and rooting it in Old and New Testament examples\u2014including the role of women, authority, and \u201choly fear of the Lord.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Cult, Occult, and the True Church of Christ<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

                    1. Marks of a Cult or Occult-Style \u201cChristian\u201d Ministry<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
                      \n
                    • \n

                      Respect of Persons<\/strong>: They honor certain personalities, prophetic types, or \u201celite\u201d members, while disregarding the ordinary believers.<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • \n

                        \u201cMy brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons\u2026 if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin.\u201d<\/em> (James 2:1,9).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n

                      • \n

                        Control Through Gifts<\/strong>: They elevate certain seer, prophet, or apostle \u201cforms\u201d of gifting, making these the standard of holiness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                      • \n

                        Lack of Holy Fear<\/strong>: Instead of reverence for God, they fear losing control, reputation, or influence.<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • \n

                          \u201cThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.\u201d<\/em> (Prov. 9:10).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n

                        • \n

                          Devaluing Ordinary Believers<\/strong>: Regular saints\u2014especially women, strangers, or those without titles\u2014are dismissed or ignored.<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • \n

                            This directly contradicts the Spirit who says: \u201cThe eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee.\u201d<\/em> (1 Cor. 12:21).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            2. Contrast with the True Born-Again Church<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
                              \n
                            • \n

                              In Christ, all are valued<\/strong>: \u201cThere is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/em> (Gal. 3:28).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                            • \n

                              Jesus valued ordinary, overlooked people:<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • \n

                                He honored the Samaritan woman (John 4).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                              • \n

                                He praised the widow\u2019s two mites (Mark 12:42\u201344).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                              • \n

                                He defended Mary of Bethany for sitting at His feet (Luke 10:39\u201342).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n

                              • \n

                                The early church walked in holy fear<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • \n

                                  \u201cAnd great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.\u201d<\/em> (Acts 5:11, after Ananias and Sapphira).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                • \n

                                  This fear was reverence for God, not fear of men\u2019s control.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  3. Old Testament Example: Eli and Respect of Persons<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
                                    \n
                                  • \n

                                    Eli, the high priest, failed to discipline his sons who abused their priestly office (1 Samuel 2:12\u201317, 22\u201325).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                  • \n

                                    He respected his own family\u2019s status more than God\u2019s holiness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                  • \n

                                    God judged him: \u201cThem that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.\u201d<\/em> (1 Sam. 2:30).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                  • \n

                                    This mirrors cult-like ministries that protect their \u201cchosen\u201d while dishonoring God\u2019s standards and ignoring the cries of regular people.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                  • \"\"<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    4. How Women Are Especially Diminished<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
                                      \n
                                    • \n

                                      In cult\/occult ministries:<\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • \n

                                        Women are often objectified, silenced, or only valued for service roles.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                      • \n

                                        Their spiritual gifts are discounted unless they fit the leader\u2019s mold.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n

                                      • \n

                                        In the true Body:<\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • \n

                                          Deborah judged Israel with God\u2019s authority (Judges 4:4).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                        • \n

                                          Huldah was consulted as a prophetess by kings and priests (2 Kings 22:14).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                        • \n

                                          Philip\u2019s four daughters prophesied (Acts 21:9).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                        • \n

                                          Women were the first witnesses of the resurrection (Luke 24:10).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                        • \n

                                          Paul affirms women laboring in the gospel (Romans 16:1\u20137).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          Christ Himself shattered man-made barriers: He received women disciples, defended them against scorn, and revealed Himself first to them after rising.<\/p>\n

                                          5. The Spiritual Danger: No Holy Fear<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
                                            \n
                                          • \n

                                            Cult\/occult-style ministries exalt man\u2019s gifting but lack trembling before God.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                          • \n

                                            They practice spiritual elitism<\/strong> rather than humility.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                          • \n

                                            They lose touch with the Head, Christ: \u201cNot holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered\u2026 increaseth with the increase of God.\u201d<\/em> (Col. 2:19).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                          • \n

                                            They despise ordinary believers, which is despising Christ Himself:<\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • \n

                                              \u201cInasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.\u201d<\/em> (Matt. 25:40).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              6. Summary Admonition<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
                                                \n
                                              • \n

                                                A true church<\/strong>: values all believers, honors Christ, walks in holy fear, and sees each member as essential.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                              • \n

                                                A cult\/occult-style ministry<\/strong>: values only certain \u201cgifted\u201d types, exalts man, lacks holy fear, and despises ordinary saints\u2014especially women.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                              • \n

                                                Scripture is clear: respect of persons, spiritual intimidation, and abuse of gifts are sins that bring God\u2019s judgment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                \u00a0Closing Word<\/strong><\/span>
                                                \u201cLet us beware of ministries that exalt seer prowess but lack the fear of the Lord.<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                Any group that dishonors ordinary saints, despises women, or values only the \u2018elite\u2019 gifts<\/strong> is not walking in the Spirit of Christ. The true Church, bought by His blood, honors every member, from the weakest to the strongest, and bows in holy fear before the Lord of glory.\u201d<\/p>\n

                                                TO SUPPORT