Discernment – Let's Get It Right!

A Question For My Readers: What Is The Purpose Of The Coming Time Of Tribulation?

What will the coming days of darkness accomplish as far as the purposes of God are concerned?

a mansion on a street of gold

by Paul Benson

I have been listening to the same tired rhetoric from the Dispensationalist/Pre-trib Rapture crowd since I came to Christ 40 years ago. Over and over we are told: God would have NO REASON to subject the Body of Christ to the chaos and horrific events that will unfold during the final years before the Return of Jesus to this planet. That such a thing would be not only a time of overmuch grief for the Church, but would also actually be (in their minds) a breach of promise on the part of God.

While I have addressed at length the issue of whether or not the coming period of tribulation is the Wrath of God being poured out upon this world (it is NOT!), it is increasing evident to me that there is a lack of teaching (even among those who reject the pre-trib theory) on just what WILL be accomplished by the world (Church included) being subjected to the events and hardships of that day.

As I study and pray through on this matter, and prepare to share my conclusions, I thought I might question my readers as to their thoughts on the issue. Do YOU believe the Church will go through that time of great tribulation; and if so: What do you see as God’s purpose in bringing these dark days upon not only the world in general but also upon the Church in particular?

What will this all accomplish?

If you have thoughts you would like to share you can post a comment below or e-mail me if you prefer through the contact page. I look forward to the feedback; and also would greatly appreciate your prayers as I seek to move beyond the hindrances (spiritual as well as physical) of the health issues that have plagued me in recent times and seek to find a renewed vision of God’s current Word to his people.

I seriously believe that very few of those who are claiming to spokespersons for the Lord in this day are truly in sync with either the heart of God or the truth of his Word.; and MUCH of what is being prophesied about the coming days is contrary to the truth. GOD HELP US!

Blessings upon all who love our Christ;

Paul Benson

Joel’s Army is “The Coming Storm”? by Tricia Tillin

Is what many popular preachers and prophets teaching about ‘Joel’s Army’ really in line with the truth of God’s Word?

I have received a lot of flack over the years for my insistence that ‘Joel’s Army’ is not Christians ‘taking over the world for Jesus’ but instead is referencing evil forces at work in the last days. They will accomplish God’s ultimate purposes with their oppressive deeds (he is sovereign after all); but the way many are presenting a false ‘Dominionism’ gospel, and twisting Scripture to do so, needs careful scrutiny by those who want a genuine biblical vision of the end-time scenario.

And I have also received much guff for pointing out the errors of a popular false prophet named Mark Taylor who was propelled to Celebrity status by a revamped false prophecy about the 2012 election. His Dominionist teachings are leading many away from a proper eschatological understanding and thereby setting them up for a bitter disappointment, and a possible faltering of their faith, in the coming days of great persecution.

You can find my article on that bogus ministry HERE.

I would like to highly recommend a write-up by Tricia Tilllin which covers in detail both of these topics which are at the very heart of the current wave of deception plaguing the Charismatic community and thus adversely affecting the entire Body of Christ in our nation (and even globally).

You can find Tricia’s write-up here:

Joel’s Army is “The Coming Storm”? By Tricia Tilllin

Blessings to all who love our Christ;

Paul Benson

Why I am NOT on the Trump Train!

Is America guaranteed a continued ‘return to greatness’ as long as Donald Trump is at the helm? Or could the ‘Trump Train’ possibly run out of tracks?

I receive a lot of correspondence (personal as well as through my web-site and Blog-page) that tells me the American Church in general is terribly lacking in a proper understanding of God’s sovereignty over the government of this nation. They seem to think Donald Trump himself is responsible for the ‘reprieve’ we have been granted from the tsunami of liberal madness that seeks to flood our nation today (and the eventual consequences of the culturally-damaging decisions that madness fosters). Continue reading “Why I am NOT on the Trump Train!”

The ‘Imminent Rapture’ Teaching: Bible or Bogus? Paul Benson Video

Is this claim that the Rapture could happen any moment to be trusted as ‘Bible Truth’?

Let’s take a look at the popular claim that the the Coming of Christ to catch-away the Saints is an event that could transpire at any moment. Is that doctrine of ‘Imminent Return’ a true teaching of the Bible?

Although MANY deceived individuals are promoting this notion, a thorough look at the Scriptures shows this claim to be just one more facet of Pre-trib theory that is provably false!

Contemplative Prayer PART II: Returning To The Biblical Pattern

There are methods of prayer that reach the Throne-room of God and others that do not. How can we discern the difference?

Contemplative Prayer

by Paul Benson

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. -Paul an apostle of Christ

Last week I encouraged my readers to consider an article by MattS from aminutetomidnite.com on the dangers of engaging in the practices many have come to call Contemplative Prayer. If you have not yet read it I would encourage you to do so as he expounds upon many of the problems I am attempting to bring a balance and correction to with this piece. As I will not be repeating his efforts to expose these counterfeit methods of prayer and meditation you might not fully ‘get’ some of the things I have to say without that background. Here is that article:

Contemplative Prayer: Is It Really Prayer? by MattS @ aminutetomidnite.com

Now let’s take a look at what the Scriptures have to say about contemplation, meditation, prayer, and lingering in the presence of God undertaken in a manner that edifies the believer and glorifies the Lord. Continue reading “Contemplative Prayer PART II: Returning To The Biblical Pattern”

Contemplative Prayer PART 1: Is It Really Prayer?

There are methods of prayer that reach the Throne-room of God and others that do not. How can we discern the difference?

Contemplative Prayer

by Paul Benson

The topic of Contemplative Prayer has been on my heart for quite some time now. When ever I hear someone speak in a derogatory manner of Contemplative Prayer (or ‘soaking’ as some like to call it) I feel a real strong ‘wait a minute here!’ rise up in my spirit. I fully believe this practice, engaged in according to a biblical pattern, was an integral part of the faith once delivered to the Saints that we are not only exhorted to contend for (Jude 1:3) but also have a desperate need to return to! And it has been my intention to write an article in defense of what I see as a quite healthy practice (even a command) in the Scriptures.

Continue reading “Contemplative Prayer PART 1: Is It Really Prayer?”

The Danger And Damage: Why The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Myth Needs ‘LEFT BEHIND’!

Is the fact there are multiple scenarios being preached concerning Christ’s coming for his Church really just a matter of differing opinions, or is there a sinister agenda at work?

step-98822_640 — The end result of embracing deception!

(I sometimes get correspondence from readers who cannot understand why I make such ado over the pre-trib rapture teaching and all it’s associated notions. They accuse me of everything from being divisive and damaging to the Body of Christ to being unloving and hurtful toward people. I recently received one of those ‘What’s the harm in believing and teaching a pre-trib position?’ comments; and since this article pretty thoroughly addresses that question I thought I would repost it. P.B.)

by Paul Benson

As a teacher in the Body of Christ, and called to be a watchman, I spend considerable time researching and writing on false teachings. One of the primary issues I am led to address is the error called ‘the Pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church’. I have written two books and numerous articles rebuking that falsehood with a major focus on examining each element of that teaching for biblical support. The answer is always the same. There really is none. The Bible does NOT teach two comings of Christ NOR a ‘pre-trib’ rapture. It is a provable falsehood; an invention of man.

While my efforts normally center on exposing the pre-trib theory as error, and then encouraging folks to believe and accept only what is plainly stated in their Bible, in this article I would like to focus on the damage done by embracing and teaching that myth. It is not a benign misunderstanding; nor merely an opinion as to the timing of an event. It is a cancerous seduction presenting grave dangers; many of which are not readily apparent. In my effort to bring these dangers to light I have enlisted the help of some like minded folks. I polled them as to their thoughts on what these dangers are; and I found their insights very thought provoking; as I am sure you will too. Continue reading “The Danger And Damage: Why The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Myth Needs ‘LEFT BEHIND’!”

Has Dispensational Theology Corrupted Your Understanding Of God’s Ways?

road-sign-464659_640

by Paul Benson

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8

Centuries ago a man named John Calvin presented his theories on what he considered proper Christian theology to the world; and today we have a religious landscape littered with the fruit of his efforts. Those who espouse his questionable theories call themselves after his name. They refer to themselves as Calvinists.

Years later Charles T. Russell developed his own particular hypothesis about who God is, and about the method by which he calls and redeems his chosen ones. Today his brand of theology (Jehovah Witness) has encompassed the globe, and you can find churches that proclaim his teachings (in an up-graded fashion) in nearly any major city.

The same can be said of Joseph Smith (the Father of Mormonism), L. Ron Hubbard (Church of Scientology), Mary Baker Eddy (Christian Science), and an ever-increasing number of others who have thrust their bogus philosophies and theologies of man upon the Christian Church, and have had enormous detrimental influence upon the beliefs of countless millions.

We live in a day where what is called Dispensational Theology has risen to great popularity within the Christian Church. And millions of those who have been taught this ‘theory’ fully believe that the concepts they have been taught, and wholeheartedly believe, are presented in the Bible, and are what the Bible truly teaches about end-time things. BUT…. Continue reading “Has Dispensational Theology Corrupted Your Understanding Of God’s Ways?”

When Darkness Shines…

angel of light

by Paul Benson

Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. -Jesus Christ

When I repented and turned to embrace faith in Jesus in 1980, and began to fellowship with the Christian community, I was utterly overwhelmed at the contrast between the gross darkness I had been delivered from and the ‘marvelous light’ that was now shining upon my life.

It seemed Heaven was shining upon me from all directions!

But now, nearly forty years later, I look back on those days with the realization that not all that then appeared to be light was actually light from above. Much of it was in fact an evil and Antichrist spirit feigning itself to be God manifesting his divine glory and Truth! Continue reading “When Darkness Shines…”

Additional Witness

…in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2Cor. 13:1

Hello Readers!

I recently posted links to some articles that give additional witness to the concerns I have expressed on the current wave of deception facing the Body of Christ. I truly hope you took time to consider the articles ‘The Two Camps’ and ‘Performance Based Prophecy’ by Jerimiah Johnson, and ‘The New Apostolic Reformation: What Is It?’ by MattS. from aminutetomidnite.com. I feel both these brothers are bringing forth understanding critical to the Church today. Both have done further work that builds upon that understanding, and I would like to share those links with you also. Continue reading “Additional Witness”