BALAAM and THE PROPHETIC MOVEMENT

[Lou Newton]

BALAAM and THE PROPHETIC MOVEMENT
by Terry Somerville

"Stop believing every spirit. Instead, test the spirits to see whether
they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out
into the world." (I John 4:1)

I stopped reading the prophetic bulletins and websites several
years ago. I found many of them did not "taste right", and I didn't
know why. But, I still have one or two in the in box every week
and I've watched the trends, and there are two trends that should
concern all of us. We may not have noticed them because, like
the "frog in the kettle" we adjust to the rising heat and don't realize
we are slowly cooking to death. The scripture warns us about two
dangers for prophets. One warning is about the "spirit of Antichrist"
and the other is what I could call "the spirit of Balaam".

Now, I'm not saying God is not powerfully working in the prophetic
movement. We are seeing a great transition from a church focus
to a Kingdom focus, and the Lord is using many prophets to help
usher this in. I've been a part of it myself. But this also means we
are more vulnerable as we press into new times and seasons.

The Spirit of Antichrist Slips In

"But every spirit who does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.
This is the spirit of the Antichrist. You have heard that he is
coming, and now he is already in the world." (I John 4:3)

The word "Anti-Christ" does not mean "against" Christ, as it would
in English. The Greek word actually means a replacement, or
"instead of" Christ. Christ means "the anointed one". The reason
John warns the church about the spirit of Antichrist is NOT that a
prophet comes speaking against Jesus, but that their attention is
taken away from Him. Instead, it is given to a man, a doctrine or
to something else that is anointed.

When something subtly replaces Jesus Christ as the focus, it is
the spirit of Antichrist at work. In todays prophetic movement, it
seems the attention has moved away from Jesus. The focus on
signs and manifestations is increasing, and the signs are getting
stranger. The appearances of angels, (which is biblical), has given
way to gold dust, falling feathers and gemstones, glowing orbs
and...whatever. A large proportion of the prophetic words now
focus on the signs and the glory that's coming. Does it sound like
it's all going in one direction?

I'm not saying there are not signs from God in the prophetic
movement, but you can read hundreds of these prophecies and
there's hardly a reference to Jesus. Also, the fruit of these signs
and wonders seem to point only to themselves, personalities and
meetings. We aught to be concerned that the spirit of antichrist is
subtly at work, changing the temperature, and replacing Christ."

Remember, John didn't say a spirit or prophecy would speak
against Jesus. Jesus is simply being replaced by a different focus.
A new love develops in the heart. We are in danger of the spirit of
Antichrist becoming well mixed into the prophetic movement. It's
time for Jesus to once again be the main focus.

The Spirit Of Balaam Takes Over

"How terrible it will be for them! For they... rushed headlong into
Balaam's error to make a profit, and destroyed themselves" (Jude 1:11)

In Numbers 22, Balaam appears to be a genuine prophet who
gives the word of the Lord concerning Israel. But, he was greedy
for King Balaak's reward and so he caused Israel to sin and be
defeated. (See Numbers 31:16)

The "spirit of Balaam" as I have called it, is at work when the love
of money overtakes a prophet. As with "the spirit of Antichrist,
this Balaam spirit is subtle. A prophet could easily resist outright
greed, but when expenses or financial gain is a possibility, the
Balaam spirit moves in. If success and recognition comes, the
desire for riches can become a very real problem. Today, there
are serious indications that the "spirit of Balaam" has entered the
house of the prophets.

Psychic Chat Lines Move Over

I just visited one of the most popular prophetic websites and I was
astonished. The sale of "prophetic product" has truly reached an
all time high. In fact it's taken over and the pages are jammed.
Most of the links are about books, and quotes of prophets
recommending them. I had trouble finding any ministry. When I
finally clicked on some teaching and prophetic words. I got a few
sentences then a "click here to buy" link! I needed to pay $3.00
to download the prophetic word. God help us! Are the prophets
selling out to greed? Whatever happened to Jesus command
"freely you have received, freely give." It's merchandise in the temple.

"Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling
around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (I Peter 5:8)

Conclusion

"The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach
for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet they lean
upon Jehovah, and say, Is not Jehovah in the midst of us? no evil
shall come upon us." (Micah 3:11)

PROPHETS WAKE UP! The word of God has a multitude of
scriptures about corrupted prophets. Satan wants to derail this
generation from entering the Kingdom, and will replace our focus
on Jesus with anything that works. But the Lord has given us the
tools to stay on track. It's time for us to use them, especially in
the prophetic movement. As the Kingdom of God draws near we
need to be wise.

~Terry Somerville

[redsoxmaloney]

BALAAM and THE PROPHETIC MOVEMENT
by Terry Somerville

"Stop believing every spirit. Instead, test the spirits to see whether
they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out
into the world." (I John 4:1)

I stopped reading the prophetic bulletins and websites several
years ago. I found many of them did not "taste right", and I didn't
know why. But, I still have one or two in the in box every week
and I've watched the trends, and there are two trends that should
concern all of us. We may not have noticed them because, like
the "frog in the kettle" we adjust to the rising heat and don't realize
we are slowly cooking to death. The scripture warns us about two
dangers for prophets. One warning is about the "spirit of Antichrist"
and the other is what I could call "the spirit of Balaam".

Now, I'm not saying God is not powerfully working in the prophetic
movement. We are seeing a great transition from a church focus
to a Kingdom focus, and the Lord is using many prophets to help
usher this in. I've been a part of it myself. But this also means we
are more vulnerable as we press into new times and seasons.

The Spirit of Antichrist Slips In

"But every spirit who does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.
This is the spirit of the Antichrist. You have heard that he is
coming, and now he is already in the world." (I John 4:3)

The word "Anti-Christ" does not mean "against" Christ, as it would
in English. The Greek word actually means a replacement, or
"instead of" Christ. Christ means "the anointed one". The reason
John warns the church about the spirit of Antichrist is NOT that a
prophet comes speaking against Jesus, but that their attention is
taken away from Him. Instead, it is given to a man, a doctrine or
to something else that is anointed.

When something subtly replaces Jesus Christ as the focus, it is
the spirit of Antichrist at work. In todays prophetic movement, it
seems the attention has moved away from Jesus. The focus on
signs and manifestations is increasing, and the signs are getting
stranger. The appearances of angels, (which is biblical), has given
way to gold dust, falling feathers and gemstones, glowing orbs
and...whatever. A large proportion of the prophetic words now
focus on the signs and the glory that's coming. Does it sound like
it's all going in one direction?

I'm not saying there are not signs from God in the prophetic
movement, but you can read hundreds of these prophecies and
there's hardly a reference to Jesus. Also, the fruit of these signs
and wonders seem to point only to themselves, personalities and
meetings. We aught to be concerned that the spirit of antichrist is
subtly at work, changing the temperature, and replacing Christ."

Remember, John didn't say a spirit or prophecy would speak
against Jesus. Jesus is simply being replaced by a different focus.
A new love develops in the heart. We are in danger of the spirit of
Antichrist becoming well mixed into the prophetic movement. It's
time for Jesus to once again be the main focus.

The Spirit Of Balaam Takes Over

"How terrible it will be for them! For they... rushed headlong into
Balaam's error to make a profit, and destroyed themselves" (Jude 1:11)

In Numbers 22, Balaam appears to be a genuine prophet who
gives the word of the Lord concerning Israel. But, he was greedy
for King Balaak's reward and so he caused Israel to sin and be
defeated. (See Numbers 31:16)

The "spirit of Balaam" as I have called it, is at work when the love
of money overtakes a prophet. As with "the spirit of Antichrist,
this Balaam spirit is subtle. A prophet could easily resist outright
greed, but when expenses or financial gain is a possibility, the
Balaam spirit moves in. If success and recognition comes, the
desire for riches can become a very real problem. Today, there
are serious indications that the "spirit of Balaam" has entered the
house of the prophets.

Psychic Chat Lines Move Over

I just visited one of the most popular prophetic websites and I was
astonished. The sale of "prophetic product" has truly reached an
all time high. In fact it's taken over and the pages are jammed.
Most of the links are about books, and quotes of prophets
recommending them. I had trouble finding any ministry. When I
finally clicked on some teaching and prophetic words. I got a few
sentences then a "click here to buy" link! I needed to pay $3.00
to download the prophetic word. God help us! Are the prophets
selling out to greed? Whatever happened to Jesus command
"freely you have received, freely give." It's merchandise in the temple.

"Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling
around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (I Peter 5:8)

Conclusion

"The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach
for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet they lean
upon Jehovah, and say, Is not Jehovah in the midst of us? no evil
shall come upon us." (Micah 3:11)

PROPHETS WAKE UP! The word of God has a multitude of
scriptures about corrupted prophets. Satan wants to derail this
generation from entering the Kingdom, and will replace our focus
on Jesus with anything that works. But the Lord has given us the
tools to stay on track. It's time for us to use them, especially in
the prophetic movement. As the Kingdom of God draws near we
need to be wise.

~Terry Somerville

An outstanding article because it shows the subtle problem that all modern churches seem to have. They are not focused on Christ, something replaces it. He gives examples of it as well. Excellent article.

[Baruch]

Balaam, I think, was shown much mercy. God intervened directly.

Yet Balaam, instead of persisting to curse the Israelites, chose to teach Balak to seduce them with sex. Maybe Balaam foolishly thought he would not be blamed for his counsel if Balak was the actual perpetrator of it. God judges the hearts; He is not mocked. Or maybe Balaam could not resist the desire for the reward, and put the consequences out of mind.

What jars me is Eze 14:4, where God tells Ezekiel that anyone setting up idols in his heart, and coming to a prophet to inquire of God, God will answer him according to the multitude of his idols. This should put the fear of God in all of His people to walk mindfully and with a pure heart.

[Lou Newton]

Balaam, I think, was shown much mercy. God intervened directly.

Yet Balaam, instead of persisting to curse the Israelites, chose to teach Balak to seduce them with sex. Maybe Balaam foolishly thought he would not be blamed for his counsel if Balak was the actual perpetrator of it. God judges the hearts; He is not mocked. Or maybe Balaam could not resist the desire for the reward, and put the consequences out of mind.

What jars me is Eze 14:4, where God tells Ezekiel that anyone setting up idols in his heart, and coming to a prophet to inquire of God, God will answer him according to the multitude of his idols. This should put the fear of God in all of His people to walk mindfully and with a pure heart.

Great comment Barry.

This should put the fear of God into us all.

Maybe tomorrow we will study the case of Balaam further.

[Steve Hollander]

Amen I can see it in the media. I have heard of so called prophets charging for supposed prophecy.

[Lou Newton]

Ezekiel 14New International Version (NIV)

Idolaters Condemned


14 Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me. ² Then the word of the Lord came to me: ³“Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? ⁴ Therefore speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When any of the Israelites set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet, I the Lord will answer them myself in keeping with their great idolatry. ⁵ I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols.’

⁶ “Therefore say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!

⁷ “‘When any of the Israelites or any foreigner residing in Israel separate themselves from me and set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet to inquire of me, I the Lord will answer them myself. ⁸ I will set my face against them and make them an example and a byword. I will remove them from my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord.

⁹“‘And if the prophet is enticed to utter a prophecy, I the Lord have enticed that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand against him and destroy him from among my people Israel. ¹⁰ They will bear their guilt—the prophet will be as guilty as the one who consults him. ¹¹ Then the people of Israel will no longer stray from me, nor will they defile themselves anymore with all their sins. They will be my people, and I will be their God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”

Have we not seen the result of this in much of the professing church. They believe what they want to believe, instead of the truth. They then inquire of "prophets" to tickle their ears and tell them what they want to hear.

God says He will remove these people and their prophets from His people.

[redsoxmaloney]

Ezekiel 14New International Version (NIV)

Idolaters Condemned


14 Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me. ² Then the word of the Lord came to me: ³“Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? ⁴ Therefore speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When any of the Israelites set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet, I the Lord will answer them myself in keeping with their great idolatry. ⁵ I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols.’

⁶ “Therefore say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!

⁷ “‘When any of the Israelites or any foreigner residing in Israel separate themselves from me and set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet to inquire of me, I the Lord will answer them myself. ⁸ I will set my face against them and make them an example and a byword. I will remove them from my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord.

⁹“‘And if the prophet is enticed to utter a prophecy, I the Lord have enticed that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand against him and destroy him from among my people Israel. ¹⁰ They will bear their guilt—the prophet will be as guilty as the one who consults him. ¹¹ Then the people of Israel will no longer stray from me, nor will they defile themselves anymore with all their sins. They will be my people, and I will be their God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”

Have we not seen the result of this in much of the professing church. They believe what they want to believe, instead of the truth. They then inquire of "prophets" to tickle their ears and tell them what they want to hear.

God says He will remove these people and their prophets from His people.

And, we must understand that the elders of Israel were more times than not, the temple or church leaders of the day. God's warning started with them.

[Lou Newton]

And, we must understand that the elders of Israel were more times than not, the temple or church leaders of the day. God's warning started with them.

Yes, Tom, and here is more evidence of that truth:

Ezekiel 9 New International Version (NIV)

Judgment on the Idolaters


9 Then I heard him call out in a loud voice, “Bring near those who are appointed to execute judgment on the city, each with a weapon in his hand.” ² And I saw six men coming from the direction of the upper gate, which faces north, each with a deadly weapon in his hand. With them was a man clothed in linen who had a writing kit at his side. They came in and stood beside the bronze altar.

³ Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim,where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the Lord called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side ⁴ and said to him, “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.”

⁵ As I listened, he said to the others, “Follow him through the city and kill, without showing pity or compassion. ⁶ Slaughter the old men, the young men and women, the mothers and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the old men who were in front of the temple.

⁷ Then he said to them, “Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go!” So they went out and began killing throughout the city.⁸ While they were killing and I was left alone, I fell facedown, crying out, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! Are you going to destroy the entire remnant of Israel in this outpouring of your wrath on Jerusalem?”

⁹ He answered me, “The sin of the people of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great; the land is full of bloodshed and the city is full of injustice. They say, ‘The Lord has forsaken the land; the Lord does not see.’ ¹⁰ So I will not look on them with pity or spare them, but I will bring down on their own heads what they have done.”

¹¹Then the man in linen with the writing kit at his side brought back word, saying, “I have done as you commanded.”

Notice that The Lord told the angels to Begin at my sanctuary. So they began with the old men who were in front of the temple.

So the judgement started with the elders at God's temple, that was in the City of God, in the nation of the people of God.

Also notice the angel told to mark everyone who grieved over their sin and the sin of the nation, was not said that he returned in 10 days, but was back in a very short time.

It would appear that he did not have many people to mark.

We need to pray an ask The Lord to please forgive our sin and also to ask Him to help us grieve and lament over the sin we see around us.

The first sin that we see should be our own sin. Then we should grieve over the sin of others, NOT look down upon them for their sin, for we are all sinners.

[redsoxmaloney]

Yes, Tom, and here is more evidence of that truth:

Ezekiel 9 New International Version (NIV)

Judgment on the Idolaters


9 Then I heard him call out in a loud voice, “Bring near those who are appointed to execute judgment on the city, each with a weapon in his hand.” ² And I saw six men coming from the direction of the upper gate, which faces north, each with a deadly weapon in his hand. With them was a man clothed in linen who had a writing kit at his side. They came in and stood beside the bronze altar.

³ Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim,where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the Lord called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side ⁴ and said to him, “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.”

⁵ As I listened, he said to the others, “Follow him through the city and kill, without showing pity or compassion. ⁶ Slaughter the old men, the young men and women, the mothers and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the old men who were in front of the temple.

⁷ Then he said to them, “Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go!” So they went out and began killing throughout the city.⁸ While they were killing and I was left alone, I fell facedown, crying out, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! Are you going to destroy the entire remnant of Israel in this outpouring of your wrath on Jerusalem?”

⁹ He answered me, “The sin of the people of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great; the land is full of bloodshed and the city is full of injustice. They say, ‘The Lord has forsaken the land; the Lord does not see.’ ¹⁰ So I will not look on them with pity or spare them, but I will bring down on their own heads what they have done.”

¹¹Then the man in linen with the writing kit at his side brought back word, saying, “I have done as you commanded.”

Notice that The Lord told the angels to Begin at my sanctuary. So they began with the old men who were in front of the temple.

So the judgement started with the elders at God's temple, that was in the City of God, in the nation of the people of God.

Also notice the angel told to mark everyone who grieved over their sin and the sin of the nation, was not said that he returned in 10 days, but was back in a very short time.

It would appear that he did not have many people to mark.

We need to pray an ask The Lord to please forgive our sin and also to ask Him to help us grieve and lament over the sin we see around us.

The first sin that we see should be our own sin. Then we should grieve over the sin of others, NOT look down upon them for their sin, for we are all sinners.

That's the truth.