Update - "Witch hunts," false prophecies, supernatural experiences

I just wanted to share a few comments to follow up the article Exposing Bette Stevens.

The realization and message in that article came about in an unexpected, organic way. I did not imagine something like that would happen. One thing led to another and, in hindsight, it was the Lord directing my steps.

Some people took the message to heart and others rejected it. I thank God for those who did receive it. It makes me feel like all I went through was not in vain. It cost me a lot in relationships, strain and illness. Of the people who rejected it and considered me a slanderer or something like that, not even one refuted what I said with the Scriptures. No one refuted the fact that Bette’s vision of the lake of fire inside hell is unbiblical, or that a vision uttering the cynical words “burn, baby, burn” about nuclear destruction of America is inconsistent with the loving, just character of God, or that Bette’s messages are sharp arrows of religious condemnation and fear. I think it says something about how they value the word of God, as compared to how much they value supernatural experiences or place blind loyalty in religious people who may be leading them astray.

Recently Stevens released a video entitled “Witch hunt in the church.” I did not listen to it, but would guess she says a “witch hunt” is a bad thing, divisive, based on false accusations. Her choice of the phrase “witch hunt” suggests medieval witch trials of dunking women in water to determine whether they float and are guilty. But what do the Scriptures say? We are supposed to test the spirits, root out false prophets and discern what is true and false:

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." – 1 John 4:1, Holman

"But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." – Hebrews 5:14, ESV

Jesus warned us that the end of the age would be characterized by false prophets and great deception:

"Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many… False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note: I have told you in advance." – Matthew 24:11,24-25

In fact, false prophets and witchcraft have become common in the modern church. I see many false prophecies on Christian websites that collect and post prophecies from various people. For instance, all the prophecies that hail Donald Trump as chosen by God to restore America or give it a reprieve, a type of “King Cyrus” – those are all false. But where do the messages come from? Perhaps the fertile imagination of the person writing them, but in many cases I think the messages are fed to people by evil spirits. They are “channeling” spirits, which is witchcraft. That’s why we are commanded to test the spirits. There is only one Holy Spirit, but many impostors and many false prophets who give them voice.

Heeding and following false spirits is a form of idolatry:

"But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer who is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbally abusive, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. " - 1 Corinthians 5:11

This is why I separated from the group who uphold Bette Stevens as a prophetess. They are not safe. Fellowship with them is an open door to attacks and deceptions. I pray they repent of this idolatry and are restored.

One more thing, and I've said this before: Seeking after supernatural experiences can be dangerous if we value them more than love, the fruits of the Spirit and truth revealed in the word of God. It can be a slippery slope into witchcraft. Witchcraft is real and gives people a sense of power and importance, appealing to the carnal flesh, because it taps into something other-worldly and beyond ourselves. God certainly gives supernatural gifts and experiences, but we need to keep it in perspective and make sure it is led by the Holy Spirit.

Remember, the greatest is love:

"Love never ends.

But as for prophecies,

they will come to an end;

as for languages, they will cease;

as for knowledge, it will come to an end."

- 1 Corinthians 13:8