Predators, Perverts, and Perseverance

Predators, Pervs, and Perseverance (Galatians 1:6-10)

Departure of the Prey (vs.6)

Paul isn’t marveled that he is an apostle, the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ, how Christ gave himself for our sins, or delivered Paul from this present evil world, but at the fact that those who have been truly saved are departing from Him (Jesus Christ)

Paul doesn’t blame the false teachers, predators, or the perverts; Paul blames those that are saved for leaving.

1 Timothy 4:1 “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;”

2 Timothy 4:10 “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.”

Hebrews 3:12–13 “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Unbelief in the wilderness by Israel = disobedience to God’s commands)

Disguises of the Predators (vs.7-8a)

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (Satan/seducing spirits)

1 Timothy 4

Acts 20:28-31 (Saved people)

Acts 5:1-3

Jude 3-4 (Slithery people)

2 Timothy 3

Galatians 3:1 “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?”

1 Samuel 16:14 (Songs)

1 Samuel 16:23 “And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.”

Saul had ignored the word of God when going to destroy Amalek. Saul could’ve gotten back in right fellowship with God had he repented and obeyed the word of God, but he turned to music to calm him down. Music affected Saul, but would not let the word of God affect him.

We live in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, where he declares that music must come before we can worship. Daniel 3:5 “That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:”

The lost heathen are trying to use music to bring unity and worship a false god.

The Contemporary Christian movement encompasses modern, culturally relevant expressions of the Christian faith, primarily known for popularizing Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and Contemporary Worship Music (CWM). It utilizes modern instruments, pop-rock aesthetics, and casual and relaxed worship settings to make the faith accessible and engaging to wider audiences. It is a cultural and religious “revival” that seeks to bridge the gap between Christian faith and modern culture. It’s emphasis is on personal, emotional experiences with God.

Goodness of God written by Brian and Jenn Johnson (Bethel Church)

"Grave Sucking" (or "Grave Soaking"): The controversial practice where believers lie on the graves of deceased, renowned Christians to "soak up" or inherit their spiritual power or "anointing".

Modern Apostles & Prophets: Bethel aligns with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), believing that modern-day apostles and prophets exist and possess miraculous authority and revelations.

Bodily Manifestations: The church heavily emphasizes extreme charismatic experiences (such as uncontrollable shaking, laughing, or falling on the floor) as physical evidence of the Spirit's presence.

The "Glory Cloud": A visible, cloud-like mist or swirling cloud of gold dust that sometimes materializes in the sanctuary during worship.

You may say, “the lyrics are fine! what’s the big deal?” Would you be ok with someone that got up to preach behind this pulpit, say the right words, but believe in godless, hedonistic doctrine?

Elevation worship

The Prosperity Gospel: Critics argue the church’s messages lean heavily into Word of Faith theology, suggesting faith leads directly to financial and physical success rather than enduring hardships.

Modalism Accusations: Critics have alleged that Pastor Furtick’s teachings reduce the Trinity to modalism—the idea that God merely changes "modes" or forms (Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) rather than existing as three distinct persons simultaneously.

"Little Gods" Teaching: Furtick has drawn scrutiny for statements suggesting humans share divine status with God ("whatever God is, you are too") Steven Furtick literally said “I am God Almighty”.

Revelation 2:12-15 (Pergamos = elevation)

Even Balaam, every time mentioned in New Testament deals with apostasy, prophecied about Jesus, but was still wicked!

Numbers 24:17 “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: There shall come a Star out of Jacob, And a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, And shall smite the corners of Moab, And destroy all the children of Sheth.”

Other CCM artists collaborate with country, rock, and rap singers to sing songs about God. This is lukewarm Christianity at its best.

2 Corinthians 6:14–18 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

Ephesians 5:6–11 “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Dedication to Persevere (vs.10)

2 Timothy 3:13-17

Philippians 2:14-16

Galatians 2:3-14