The Freedom to Question

If you are reading this, you have the freedom to explore the Word of God without being bound to any man or institution that claims divine authority over you. In these pages, I am asking you to test every claim made by man—if a claim is true, then it will be able to stand in truth without fear.

I invite you to read this message in its entirety, reflect deeply, and consider repentance as we examine teachings that may have mislead you. God loves you deeply, he will walk with you if you let Him.

Approach this work with an open heart and a discerning mind. Reflect on the truth of Scripture and consider whether any teaching you’ve accepted has kept you from experiencing the full, unbounded love and grace of Christ. By following Jesus’ example; you are free.

Matthew 7:7-8

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

1 Timothy 1:7

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

For those who identify as an anointed “Man of God”/Pastor, I respectfully encourage you to reexamine your teachings and practices in light of Scripture and to seek genuine repentance before God. I pray that your heart and mind may be renewed and that you experience His mercy & grace.

2 Timothy 2:24-26

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Rather than using selected passages to support future sermons, my hope is that this message serves as a sincere call to reassess the gravity of any misapplied doctrines. God loves you deeply.

Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

This work represents my personal views and interpretations and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any organization, including the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) or any other religious institution. The content is intended for discussion and personal reflection. Any references to organizations, doctrines, or teachings are made for informational and analytical purposes.

If you'd prefer to read in chapter format,I've divided this document into individual chapter posts.
You can begin your journey here with "Freedom To Question"

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Any of This Sound Familiar?

The goal of our discussion today is to examine the UPCI’s ’truth’ in the full light of Scripture. We know that the Word of God is perfect and complete. Often we hear to not lean onto our own understanding—but are we deceiving ourselves by viewing scripture through a narrow & darkened lens based on our own understanding and interpretation?

Proverbs 3:5-7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Given Scripture’s guidance—it is our duty to search the Word of God for ourselves. One verse you may have not heard quoted as often is also applicable for us today.

1 John 2:26-27

I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

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v.20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. Within the context of these verses; John is discussing how to stand firm with assurance in the face of false teaching.

This knowledge is not just “granted” with no action on our end however—as evidenced in the preceding verses we looked at. In order to properly arrive at truth; we must do as we are taught—abiding in Him.

Context is the crucial piece we often toss to the wayside when studying God’s Word—context is so important to safeguarding ourselves from extracting meaning from the text that is not there. “In context” means: considering the group of conditions that exist regarding where and when an event occurs—in other words, the words before and after a passage that help clarify its meaning, intent, and application.

Throughout our discussion; I will do my best to provide context where possible however I am a man as well. I am not intending to swap a voice you currently listen to for just another voice. Rather; please take these examinations as a ‘jumping off point’ to help point you towards God’s Word entirely. I have done my best to faithfully apply Scripture throughout as originally intended given proper context—I too am fallible however.

Test every assertion made in the light of Scripture; read the entire chapter/book quoted; investigate concepts/phrases that are not fully understood or that seem confusing/contradictory. The Word of God will stand entirely without any man if you give it the chance to do so in your life.

I pray this serves as a lamp for anyone who senses that something is wrong, who feel an invisible burden but cannot pinpoint its source. Those that think that they just “can’t feel God” the same anymore despite their best attempts. Those that seem to always ’let themselves down’. You are not crazy, nor are you bitter. God is not afraid of your questions, God is not afraid of being examined, nor is He afraid to be tested.

When tempted by Satan, Jesus relied solely on the Word—not on man’s teachings. Why would God (creator of the entire universe) ever necessitate the need for a man to be in between you and His Word?

Matthew 3:1-11

v4: But he answered, “It is written,“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

v7: Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

v10: Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”

If God were afraid of these things, would He be worth believing in? No, God is not afraid of you seeking to understand him. He is not going to punish you for seeking Him earnestly.

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The Man Of God (MOG)

The UPCI places a heavy emphasis on the role and authority of the church leader (pastor/MOG). Much of this authority—and many of its teachings—are rooted in Old Testament precepts and misapplied allegorical connections to the New Testament. In doing so, the simplicity of Christ’s message is overshadowed by a works-based faith. The MOG is tasked with instructing, correcting, and operating within the bounds of UPCI doctrine. As a result; the MOG is the physical representation of the denominational doctrine.

This is why our discussion henceforth focuses on the MOG as a figurehead. But do not be deceived—this is not a singular person that we are examining. The MOG is a symptom of a system; a system that can be found in UPCI adjacent denominations as well. These systems are what we will properly examine through Scripture. These descriptions we outline are not exhaustive, nor do they apply uniformly across every church or church leader. Each MOG falls somewhere along a spectrum—from traits that are barely present to those that manifest as complete control—with passive “nudges” typically landing in the middle. The systems which enable this type of behavior ultimately are designed to guard against uncertainty. Unfortunately this shallow shield of ‘certainty’ blocks the call of God’s love and grace in our lives.

I believe there are genuinely good men who, despite bearing the title of “MOG,” have not yet found the courage to stand against these systems they recognize as conflicting with Christ’s teachings. Bridging this gap is challenging because a truly godly man—walking in the example of Christ—would not propagate these erroneous concepts. If you consider yourself one of these good men, I urge you to take a stand for what is right. Speak out today against the rampant legalism and works-based faith that continue to persist. Even if you do not “push” these as forcefully onto your ’local congregation’, it ultimately enables these harmful systems to thrive (in addition to funding provided to the organization through your church’s funds).

Silence in the name of unity/loyalty is equivalent to loud agreement towards abuse.

Lastly, if you are a believer currently attending a UPCI church, I urge you not to simply “keep your head down,” rely solely on letting your life be the example, or quietly leave the denomination. Countless people remain disconnected from God, paralyzed by fear and unable to take the steps toward true freedom in Christ. By speaking out against spiritual abuse, you can become a beacon of light for hundreds of others—abuse thrives on silence. We are called to love one another, and there is no greater love than sharing the true, unconditional love of Christ.

“If I were to remain silent, I’d be guilty of complicity.”—Albert Einstein

James 4:17

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

I am not confused, bitter, deceived, or blinded; I am not unstable, backslidden, or a chaos sower; nor am I charismatic, carnal, fallen, or apostate. And neither are you. These labels are simply fear-based labels imposed by the same individuals who falsely claim to love us. Unfortunately those that do genuinely love us are paralyzed by the very same labels—often blinding their ability to see authentic Godliness.

I choose to trust that God will not place my life in shambles, destroy my marriage, or decimate my financial security—none of these dire consequences are coming as a result of seeking God’s truth. We have all heard these threats, designed to instill fear and ensure we remain obedient under the threat of God’s punishment. Now, let us define what a spirit of MOG is.

You might be a MOG if you have acted in the realm of any of these descriptors:

• The Gatekeeper of God—decider of what is righteous
• God’s truly anointed one—not your lowly “everyday” Christian
• The modern Levitical priesthood—owner and checker of tithes
• God’s mouthpiece and interpreter— through whom “God speaks”
• God’s prophet—who regularly ‘prophecies’ we are getting ready for something new
• The mediator between God’s will and a congregant’s life—for the MOG can discern both God’s will AND timing!
• The authority on biblical knowledge, wisdom, and truth—one whom has ‘figured it out ‘on behalf of others—don’t actually come to your own conclusions!
• The “vision” setter—for without him, the people will perish!
• The atmosphere conductor, dimension traveler—guiding us through God’s presence and ’experience’
• The authoritative shepherd, ever watching the flock
• The measuring stick of God—you’ll know when you’re “doing enough” (“It will happen— I promise!”)

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The Outcomes We Observe

The reality is that these man-made shackles and precepts will drive you to self-destruction, leaving you to either blame yourself or give up entirely—dropping God or resigning yourself to be a shell of your former self, a puppet simply “keeping your head down” and obeying the MOG.

Take a good look at your local UPCI congregation. Observe the patterns of life and the fruit that emerges beyond the surface level. You might notice an “inner circle” around the MOG (often characterized by nepotism), individuals on the periphery who simply “keep their head down,” the same ‘AMEN’ and ‘RIGHT’ shouters during preaching, “on fire” believers celebrated for their zeal, and new people occasionally rotating in and out of the church with minmial long term growth of new believers.

The consequences of these structures are evident—particularly in the young people raised in these systems. The likes of which tend to follow a few predetermined routes:

• Abandon ‘church’ entirely and openly indulge in flagrant debauchery (“poke your head up”)

• Play the role in ‘church’, but secretly indulge in concealed debauchery (“keep your head down”)

• Fully ‘submit’ to “the cause” of the UPCI/MOG and propagate the very systems unto their own children—With the added bonus of secretly indulging in debauchery as well! (become the head)

Unfortunately, most young people raised under these systems flow between these states throughout life—forever frozen in a tumultuous cycle because they were never equipped to move forward in Christ. This is the very embodiment of “dry bones,” as the MOG often warns as an admonition for not “performing” enough at the altar, not “adhering to standards”, not ‘attending’ enough, or not “giving enough”.

Experience, emotion, and expectation are the primary building blocks underpinning nearly every aspect of this doctrine; these components often take precedence over Scripture, receiving greater credence than the actual Word of God. Should a believer suggest that there is a contradiction between doctrine and Scripture, it is more likely that their interpretation is incomplete—because the doctrine embodies the truth. These undercurrents cloud the clarity of God’s word by encouraging reliance on fleeting emotions as the representation of God’s presence and direction, rather than on Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit; Thereby fulfilling a self-fulfilling cycle of spiritual immaturity—for questioning the experience is the same as questioning God.

The truly tragic part is the majority of modern MOGs we are examining today have been raised under the same shackles of fear, experience, emotion, and expectation from a young age. This is a self-feeding cycle of hurt and abuse that must be brought under the full light of Scripture. These MOGs deserve God’s grace, mercy, and love just as much as anyone else. It is my hope that anyone that is still reading has not hardened their hearts or minds to our discussion today. It is not easy to look at our own behaviors, patterns, and short comings in a bright mirror—however this is where true healing takes place. If you believe none of this applies to your local congregation/leader, I urge you to please examine your heart and ensure you are not being blinded by fear in order to properly look straightly into this proverbial mirror.

Hebrews 5:11-14

About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

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The writer is rebuking a set of Christians of his time for not maturing in the word due to becoming ‘dull of hearing’ when he was attempting to explain the designation of Christ as high priest. It is crucial to come to an understanding of “the basics”; as a necessary foundation before we can properly build up to greater complexities. By building this strong foundational knowledge for ourselves, we strengthen our ability to ‘hear’ and discern good from evil.

Romans 12:1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

These patterns are not pure coincidence, nearly every church within these systems are guaranteed to exhibit these same patterns. So we must ask: is anyone actually being transformed through the renewing of their mind beyond emotional highs in a group setting?

More importantly—Are you?

Some of the following examinations may challenge long standing beliefs you have held for a majority of your life. Do not be afraid—remember: God is not afraid of you seeking to understand Him. If Christ laid down his life for us, how then could we possibly be afraid to lay down our pre-conceived notions, church social status, and the fear of “what will they think/do to me”? If you are afraid that this is the ‘spirit of Satan’ or confusion, disunity, deception—be not afraid for Scripture gives us instruction on how to properly test our own thoughts and intentions.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

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The Gatekeeper of God

Galatians 5:1

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

As the representation of the doctrine, MOGs are tasked with ensuring unity (submission)—this is most visible in the fixation on regulating a church member’s outward appearance. As mentioned earlier; this exerted ‘control’ is on a spectrum of intention & forcefulness: ranging from those honestly trying to enforce ‘platform standards’ to honor God, to an insatiable need to rule over people’s lives entirely. Unfortunately, both ends of the spectrum commit the same error regardless of intention.

I recognize that this can be a challenging topic to address, especially when your identity in Christ may be closely tied to how you present yourself outwardly. Nevertheless, I choose to begin here, as it is one of the most tangible, daily forms of control imposed on congregants.

Do not be deceived—God examines the heart, and your outward appearance holds no value to Him. If your heart is in Christ Jesus, the fruit of your life will be evident both inwardly and outwardly; a skirt does not reflect the state of your heart—your actions performed with love do. God does not care whether you wear a skirt or pants; He is concerned with what transpires in the secret place where no one can see. This is not an opinion—scripture is clear on the matter.

Matthew 23:25-26

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean

Jesus is not a fan of would-be “MOGs” focusing on the outwards, to say the least.

These “holiness standards” are a pure control mechanism—a thermometer by which the MOG gauges a congregant’s submission and perceived level of “spirituality.” They serve as a clear signal for the MOG—and by extension, the entire group—to distinguish who is deemed “controllable” and who is considered “out.” The MOG frequently asserts that these “standards” reflect the true condition of your heart rather than a genuine aspect of salvation. Yet, every woman in the UPCI understands that these measures are an implied test of her salvation (or, as you might deceptively hear, “being right with God”).

Instead of explicitly stating that “your skirt is your salvation,” the MOG employs a more clever concept of “submission” as a loophole (Without submission to the MOG, how can you ever be right with God?). Every woman burdened with this legalism has worried, “What will the MOG think?” about her outward appearance not meeting standards—as opposed to the far weightier matter:, “What would God think of my heart?”

This false teaching is the cornerstone of a control system that must be torn down in every believer’s life. It is used to placate a congregant’s false sense of security regarding salvation. “If you adhere more closely to the standards, you are closer to God’s will.”

Furthermore, it causes immense harm if left unchecked—especially to young women raised within these systems—by forcing them to focus exclusively on their outward appearance. This focus plants a virus in their minds that burdens them with body image, appearance, and social conformity issues. If you are raised with minimal alternative guidance from your parents, you will have been effectively programmed to discard your self-identity in the name of “submission.”

What does the bible say? First off; let’s quickly point out the manipulation of the verses used to place burdens upon you:

Romans 14:1-23

v4…Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand ….

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This chapter completely tears down any “convictions” (judgement) placed upon you by others (a la skirts, jewelry, makeup).

Read the chapter entirely—it is completely freeing you of any legalistic burden related to today’s “holiness standards”. It also invalidates the cover of “it’s not for your salvation; but for your submission to the MOG which God has ordained” that we see today. Lastly, the verses help us learn the err in judging others for the way in which they honor God in faith. While the discussion in Scripture was describing internal debates on the traditions surrounding fasting—the intention of the text is to correct the foolishness of judging others based on their own individual honoring of God.

1 Timothy 2:9

Likewise, also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,

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This Chapter is instruction to Timothy on how a church should behave and what the focus should be when assembled(cf. 3:15).

• Firstly, we should pray for all people.
• Secondly, “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling”

Notice how Paul is addressing a specific issue with the men in the church - he is not saying the ’lifting of hands’ is required to pray properly, he is literally saying when they DO lift holy hands in prayer, it is to be without anger or quarreling

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Immediately after, Paul shifts his instruction to the women. They should:

• Adorn (make yourself more beautiful) by wearing respectable apparel. (Should dress in a manner respectable given the context— probably not respectable to wear a swimsuit to church?)
• Adorn (make yourself more beautiful) through modesty and self-control. How do we do that?

It’s NOT with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire as the ways to make yourself more beautiful. It is with good works that a woman should adorn herself with.

Paul is clear—THIS is the way in which a woman is to place her beauty. Paul never said NOT to wear braided hear, gold, pearls, costly attire. He simply is instructing: this outward focus is not where a woman’s perception/definition of beauty should be placed within the context of church.

I wanted to make sure to highlight the fact that we often conveniently see the omission of the immediate instruction that follows: the prohibition on allowing women to teach men within the assembled body. This selective cherry-picking of which principles to follow—and how to apply them—exposes the true intention behind these precepts.

Deuteronomy 22:5

A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.

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This is pretty cut and dry - no arguing against that! Oh wait - so is:

• You shall not wear cloth of wool and linen mixed together. (v.11)
• “If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman. So you shall purge the evil from Israel.” (v.22)
• “If there is a betrothed virgin, and a man meets her in the city and lies with her, then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones" (v. 23-24)

It’s curious that in v5, pants aren’t specifically mentioned, yet wool and linen are mentioned in v11. The common explanation you hear is that men wore robes or skirts at that time, so the text remains purposefully non-specific to accommodate various cultural norms.

By that logic, the argument says that when women transitioned from predominantly wearing skirts and dresses to joining the workforce during World War II, it marked a point when our culture supposedly became ungodly in its gender mixing.

This reasoning is a logical fallacy. It supposedly permits flexibility in cultural norms while simultaneously establishing a definitive “cut-off” point in the 20th century—beyond which such cultural flexibility is no longer acceptable. And if that’s the case, what about T-shirts? Sneakers?

When examined; it is difficult to justify the “cherry picking” used to determine what law supposedly applies to believers now vs. what doesn’t.

1 Peter 3:1-6

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

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Peter reinforces what we discussed in 1 Timothy. He never prohibited braiding your hair, wearing gold, or altering your clothing. Instead, he instructs us that true adornment—making ourselves beautiful—should come from within, from the hidden person of the heart. A gentle and quiet spirit is described as imperishable beauty;very precious in God’s sight.

v5-6:“For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.” (Notice how ‘holiness’ is actually related to the inward emphasis?)

As clearly explained to us in scripture, your outward appearance is not where you should place your definition of beauty as a woman. Does this mean you are ordered to NOT take any steps to make your outward ‘beautiful’ as you see fit? Of course not! If your focus and value of beauty is in the things mentioned here (internal)—you are adhering to the true “biblical standards”!

The cutting of hair is an important topic in and of itself as well; for brevity I will attempt to provide the main discussion points for further examination in your personal time. This topic is debated across many fundamentalist denominations, so I encourage you to study this topic in your studies to ensure proper application.

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

v3: But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God

v4: Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head,

The pagan tradition of covering your head to pray dishonors Christ (the head of every man)

v5: but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven

If a wife prays/prophesies in public while not honoring her marriage (her head covering), she dishonors her husband (the head of the wife). Also bring attention to the fact that Paul was specifically addressing wives who were praying/prophesying—not all women, nor all wives.

v6: *For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head

If a wife refuses to honor her husband, she may as well shave her hair as a signal of her intention. Since it was disgraceful within the culture to shave a woman’s head and pretty dramatic; it would be better for her to cover her head (honoring marriage), thereby honoring her head (husband).

v15: but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.

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Paul is teaching of conduct related to worship, prayer and prophesying while in the context of assembly of others (1:10, 11:17). The entire letter is a response from Paul regarding the church in Corinth having divisions and immorality. It is not coincidence that Paul decides to discuss the dynamics of marriage with the same language as having to do with literal ‘head coverings’ prevalent in first century culture—an indication of marriage much like our wedding rings are today. I encourage you to study this topic and chapter deeper in context of what Paul was aiming to address: learn of the cultural norms prevalent in first century Corinth, the behavior of the church in Corinth prompting Paul’s response, and apply the principles we will dive into next to properly surmise what Paul was actually intending.

Now, let’s get into why this legalism is of no value and actually attempts to usurp Jesus’ sacrifice

Colossians 2:23

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

Romans 9:30-32

What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,

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Sounds sort of like the UPC, huh? This phenomenal passage explains how the Jews foolishly pursued righteousness as though it were based on works (a la, wearing a skirt) as opposed to pursuing righteousness by faith

Romans 10:1-4

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

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Paul is speaking of the unbelieving Jews here—isn’t it ‘a little odd’ how closely this aligns with what we are discussing right now? Consider all the self-righteous talk of “godly righteousness” shouted from pulpits with immense zeal (“We are apostolic to the core!”)

I encourage you to read the entire tenth chapter of Romans, as it entirely encapsulates the simplicity of Christ’s salvation and directly contrasts it with false teachings similar to those that burden us today.

ch10:8-12: It is with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved (NOT by following ’the law’). How does faith come, then? See v. 17: So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

This underscores the importance of the actual Word of God—not some distorted view passed unto you from any pulpit.

No matter how a MOG may try to deceive you, these “holiness standards” are an illegitimate law imposed by man today.

God’s Word is clear on this matter: You are free from this law. Christ has fulfilled every law entirely, and you are no longer bound by it. You are under the law of love, which perfectly fulfills any law:

Matthew 22:37-40

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.

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For New Testament believers, it is crucial to understand this, so we must take the time to tear this “holiness standards” teaching down to the ground as it pervades many of the illegitimate teachings we continue to see propagate.

The New Testament epistles consistently warn against the improper application and undue emphasis on any law/tradition; all while explaining how the law has been completely fulfilled through Jesus.

For a comprehensive tear-down of these “holiness standards,” let’s rapid-fire through Galatians 5 where Paul is providing advice (paraphrased with my emphasis—please read Galatians in its entirety for a complete defense of justification by faith alone!):

Galatians 5:1

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:2-6

(By following the law in this manner) You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; fallen away from grace. It is through the Spirit by faith where we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Galatians 5:7-12

The church in Galatia was doing well in the faith, until they were hindered by the false teaching of the law. This persuasion was not from the Lord.

“A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (a small amount of something can have a big impact - meaning even just a little false teaching can pervert the entirety of the church body). Paul was not opposed to circumcision as a practice, his opposition was when it became a condition of salvation.

Galatians 5:13-15

You were called to freedom (from the law). Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”**. If you do not love in this manner, you will most likely consume one another.

Therefore, the ceremonious ’law’ is not what provides these precious “guardrails” for us as is often taught to us today. To the contrary - it actively encourage mutual destruction.

God has provided all the “guardrails from the world” for us in the Holy Spirit. God has already drawn “a line in the sand against the forces of Hell” as we are so oft explained by our MOG.

Galatians 5:16-17

Walk in the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh - as these are directly opposed to each other.

More assurance that you do not need a law any longer to protect you from your fleshly desires.

Galatians 5:18

If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law

Galatians 5:19-21

The works of the flesh are evident; those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:22-24

The fruit of the Spirit; against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Those who manifest these fruits are fulfilling the law.

Galatians 5:25-26

If we indeed live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. We keep in step; by not adhering to the works of the flesh (becoming conceited, provoking one another, envying one another).

Galatians Chapter 5 serves as a clear rebuke and example against the rampant legalism masquerading as “righteousness” today; perpetuated by the spirit of MOG.

It is a tragedy that we have only heard these verses used in the context of justifying “holiness standards” in self righteousness as opposed to their original intent -> the complete destruction of legalistic righteousness.

Galatians 5:1

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

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The Anointed One

Psalm 105:15

, saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”

If you have been around the UPCI for any amount of time it is guaranteed that you have heard this verse preached in the instruction to never question the MOG. This is a clear example to the importance of context—Just a few verses before this oft-twisted passage, we read:

Psalm 105:12-15

When they were few in number, of littler account, and sojourners in it, wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”

Simply put, the writer is recounting the earliest days of Israel—when they were few in number. When was the last time a MOG wandered from nation to nation? When did God last rebuke a king on their behalf? It’s clear that the ‘anointed ones’ referenced here within this passage refer to specific events and people, not to a universal ‘protection’ for today’s leaders.

If you are still in doubt to the validity of this ‘interpretation’—Starting from the beginning of Psalm 105 emphatically confirms our context:

Psalm 105:1-6

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

We now can confidently see that the writer is instructing the nation of Israel to praise God & to make known his deeds among all people. The writer immediately does that which he instructs by retelling the history of Israel within the remainder of the chapter.

Nowhere do we find that our original verse is even applying to ‘anointed ones’ within the Israelites of the time (it is simply a retelling of events). The original verse we studied (v15) is likely referencing the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech given the re-telling of major Jewish historical events.

1 Chronicles 16:22

saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”

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This same context is to be properly applied to this referential passage as well. Likewise, this passage is brutally ripped out of context in order to fit an agenda.

Another common deception found is in:

Romans 13:1-7

v1:2: For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

v.7: Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

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Another couple of passages ripped out of context to support the idea of unquestionable authority given to the MOG can be found in Romans. When we read the entire chapter however the discussion is clearly centered on how a believer should operate under authority of civil government. The false “authority” of MOG is not in any way within the context of these verses.

Hebrews 13:17

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

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This verse is infamous for abuse throughout history—however we must keep context in mind to discern what is being instructed here. The writer had previously defined what a leader was in this context: those who spoke the Word Of God. This immediately disqualifies any MOG which has misrepresented the Word Of God.

Beyond this, false teachings had come against the church and the writer is instructing that they should not change from the truth they first received (as Jesus is the same yesterday, today, & forever). Following the leader’s (previously defined) way of life is stated as how we can continue towards this goal.

To empress the importance of this even further; the writer continues to instruct us to obey & submit to these leaders as they will be called to give an account for how they have guided the church.

Just as we are called to live in the example of Christ—surely our leaders have the same obligation. We can confidently assert that Jesus Christ would never lead with the way in which these MOGs lead today within the UPCI. Christ is the head of the Church alone; true leaders will point people to Christ entirely; not to their own opinions/vision.

Lastly, I would be re missed not to mention that we ALL are anointed by ONE Spirit through Jesus Christ; as we have received an anointing from the Holy One.

1 John 2:20-27

But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.

I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

Romans 8:11

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

2 Timothy 1:14

By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

You cannot lose this anointing, no amount of works can increase or give you a “fresh” anointing—Which by the way, why is it only the MOG who can accurately proclaim this fresh anointing has arrived at ‘altar call’?

Instead of teaching a falsehood of “anointing levels” between believers (with the MOG as the head), our spiritual leaders should be teaching that we are all equal in the body of Christ, just as each member of the body is equal in the greater purpose of loving one another; as Christ first loved us.

💡 Tip

For further study of leadership within the body of Christ; along with how we are to treat one another: check out Hebrews 13

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The Priesthood

This particular concept is intrinsically tied to the concept of mandated tithing as was tradition within the Mosaiac law and is a cornerstone of UPCI ideals. For the sake of trying to keep this section relatively concise, I would encourage you to read a non-denominational - straight biblical examination into the modern day concept of tithing. Explore what tithing was prescribed for under the law, “first fruits”, as well as what tithes were paid with as a starting point to examine if those same principles align with what we are told today.

Setting aside the topic of tithing for this discussion, it is clearly stated that the MOG is regarded as the modern-day continuation of the Levitical priesthood. As such, they claim ownership to your tithes, possess the authority to scrutinize your giving (to ensure you aren’t “robbing God”), and demand a level of respect deserving of a chief priest.

If a MOG is particularly crafty, you may hear a message of “false humility” in Sunday sermons—only to encounter an entirely different message during ‘ministry classes’. Those already in ‘submission to MOG’, having already given so much, become easier targets for additional pressure and condemnation.

1 Peter 2:9-10

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

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1 Peter 2:1-12 affirms that believers are a chosen race and a royal priesthood—a promise extended to all who are saved through Christ by faith, as thoroughly explained in Galatians 3. This promise is not reserved solely for so-called “Super Christians”, nor MOGs.

Revelation 5:9-10

And they sang a new song, saying, Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.

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We are ALL a royal priesthood equally under Christ—our high priest is Jesus!.

Hebrews 2:17-18

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

I encourage you to research the purpose of the original Levitical priesthood; and how it has been replaced on earth through Jesus as the high priest—as explained thoroughly in Hebrews, chapters 4-10.

The next time you are made to feel as though you are under the rule of a modern day priest, ask yourself - is the MOG from the lineage of Aaron? How about of the lineage of Melchizedek? Or did somebody “accidentally” mix up the ‘grafting of gentiles’ concept with this priesthood lineage hoping no one would challenge it?

The explanation you will most likely hear if pressed at all is that the MOG today is called to “follow the example” and dedication set forth by the Levitical priests. Again however, this is patently false as actual scripture has shown us. There are no longer separation of priests & non-priests—walk in the freedom of Christ!

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The Mouthpiece & Prophet Of God

❗ Caution

“A “prophet” in the NT is one who speaks on God’s behalf. While all preachers are God’s spokespersons, some have a special ministry of speaking for God in certain situations, speaking to God’s people and fellow leaders to give encouragement, warning, and guidance.” - General Superintendent of the UPCI quote: Source

Thank you Dr. for this eloquent quote. It encapsulates the false notion of “special levels” in Christ—a super-exclusive club reserved for VIP Christians. I’m certain that the author is referring to himself as one of these “super, prophetic leaders”. This mindset originates at the top of the organization and spreads like gangrene through every layer of leadership. Also, we must point out the fact that God does not need a “spokesperson”!

Matthew 7:15-20

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Jesus explicitly warns us about false prophets, explaining that these MOGs come in sheep’s clothing while inwardly resembling ravenous wolves. By disguising themselves as sheep, they blend in seamlessly with the flock; however, make no mistake—a ravenous wolf cannot help but to prey on the weak. Their tactic relies entirely on fear, for a sheep will not leave the fold if it is deceived by fear.

This is why the MOG conditions us to fear our doubts, our questions, God’s punishment, Satan’s ‘grasp’, self-destruction, saying no, and even speaking up for what you know is wrong. If you even think of looking outside the four walls of your safe “church”—“destruction is imminent”. This pervasive fear holds you captive and enables the wolf to continue his rampant feeding frenzy.

Jesus states we WILL recognize these false prophets by their fruits. Every healthy tree bears good fruit; but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. It is impossible for a healthy tree to bear bad fruit.

Take a moment to step back and examine the MOG in light of Jesus’ instruction. Ask yourself: What kind of fruit are they bearing?

I’m not referring to the “false fruit” that MOGs often display at the surface—things like the intensity of their altar calls, fibromyalgia healings (why is it always fibromyalgia?), the latest “report” from the missions field, a tale of a witch confronting them, or a tongues interpretation ‘straight from God’ that doesn’t actually edify the body. I urge you to not interpret this as a doubting of God’s absolute power—rather, it is to identify the ‘shallow’ fruit that is fabricated as a “sign of anointing”.

Contrary to any false fruit the MOG might claim to bear, upon closer look he inevitably exhibits the very traits he preaches against: lover of self, lover of money, pride, arrogance, abusiveness, unappeasability, ungratefulness, unholiness, heartlessness and slander (ever hear stories of “back-slidden” saints from the MOG?). They are often swollen with conceit, without self control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, lovers of pleasure, displaying the appearance of godliness while ultimately denying its power ("Those fog machines down the road are the real thing you should fear!").

2 Timothy 3:1-7

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

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Always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth!

Galatians 5:19-21

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

A clever wolf excels at appearing as if he preaches against these very behaviors every week. But we must remember how the MOG views himself—he has conquered these “lowly” struggles of regular Christians. He rules in authority over the church body, crushing any form of bad fruit that rises against him.

And yet, at the same time, he actively sows these very same seeds within the congregation—whether directly (“counseling”) or indirectly (“preaching”).

The actual fruit we should consistently be seeing is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These fruits are born from true love!

Galatians 5:22-26

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

The next time the MOG is swallowing the microphone, screaming at the top of his lungs—ask yourself: Is this gentle? Patient? Loving? Full of self-control?

How about the next time he brings out his ‘mocking voice’ to belittle any opinion that dares to challenge his own? When he talks down to the very congregation under his voice, condemning them for ‘being lukewarm’—is this the fruit of the Spirit?

ℹ️ Warning

A MOG may say in rebuttal to this: “When did being ‘on fire for God’ become wrong?, When did the bar get set so low?”

Jesus has given us the handbook to identify false prophets clearly and with certainty. The beauty of these warnings is that it is impossible for these MOGs to bear good fruit. They simply cannot help but expose themselves if you are keeping both your eyes and ears open with a sound mind.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

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The Mediator Of God

The MOG is well established within the church as the one who hears from God, the one who can discern God’s will for your life, the one who knows God’s timing.

This creates an extraordinary dependence on the MOG for church members regarding personal decisions; and when left unchecked, it spreads like cancer into every corner of a believer’s life. As previously discussed, fear is the tool of choice used to deter you from listening to what you perceive to be God’s will—or even your own personal ambitions.

If you have faced this, you will be familiar with these concepts:

• You could be going out of God’s will for your life by proceeding

• What will keep you grounded ‘in church’ if stepping aside from a church ministry?

• You must wait on God’s timing, not just his will (used to over-rule your own discernment of God’s will)

• You can’t do ____ as it would interfere with what God is trying to do in your life

• Avoiding influences outside the church’s approved circle (this goes for Godly advice, and non-UPCI approved teachings), as their influence might ‘deceive you’

• Suggesting anything contrary to ’established church order’ is a deception of Satan

This is blatant fear, shame, and coercion when examined outside of the MOGs influence. Remember this the next time a MOG belittles someone by preaching about their life decisions—implying that those choices have resulted in a curse or even a loss of salvation. This form of ‘preaching’ is a pure manipulation tactic designed to instill fear in your heart and mind. Given enough time hearing this message of fear; you will unknowingly internalize these shackles.

❗ Caution

Hearken back to the stories you’ve heard of how God will “remove your ability” to feel His presence in order to teach you a lesson.

• God forgive this error! He will never leave nor forsake you; For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Furthermore, promoting a “search for confirmation” mindset within the congregation only leads to mysticism and speculation of signs for confirmation on God’s will. Instead of resting in the assurance of Christ’s love, we’re immaturely taught to constantly seek physical manifestations as proof.

The story of Gideon’s Fleece found in Judges 6 is often used as justification for asking God for signs today.

Judges 6:36-38

Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said. And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water.

Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew.

What the MOG fails to remind us is of the fact that we have 2 tools that Gideon lacked: The complete written Word of God, and the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

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Paul confirms that all Scripture is breathed out by God and able to make the man of God complete, equipped for every good work. Therefore, why do we continue to seek signs despite God’s Word?

The second resource we have is, of course, the Holy Spirit dwelling within us—guiding, directing, and encouraging us.

Contrasted with believers in the Old Testament; whom only had portions of God’s Word and were guided by God’s providential hand often through miraculous signs, we now have the complete Bible along with His indwelling presence. The end result of never having personal assurance of God’s will is dangerous: it leads to blind compliance and faith in man, a reliance on signs and wonders—often tailored to fit personal desires—or even to abandoning Christ entirely when we fail to hear from Him.

Ask yourself: why would God, the Creator of the universe, ever rely on a man positioned between you and Himself to discern His will? And why would we even need a Holy Spirit when the MOG is supposedly capable of doing it all for us instead?

What’s the bible actually say about Gods will?

Matthew 12:38-39

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

Matthew 16:1-4

And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.

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Jesus says on two occasions in Matthew that “a wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign”. Jesus knew signs will never satisfy those who are not genuinely seeking truth.

Mark 12:29-31

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

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Jesus summarizes the entirety of God’s preceptive will (his law) in these two commandments alone: Loving God & Loving Others

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

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If we are walking with God, his word is what is leading and guiding us through life

John 15:9-11

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

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If you keep Jesus’ commandments, you are guaranteed to abide in his love—a promise from Jesus himself. What is that commandment you may ask? v12: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

1 Peter 2:13-17

Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

1 John 3:4

Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.

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Everyone who routinely practices sin also practices lawlessness. So of course, a believer of Christ should not be contrarian to ‘doing good’

Matthew 7:12

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

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Whatever you wish others do to you, do also to them. “THIS is the law & the prophets” - again, the whole will of God is summed up in this

1 Thessalonians 5:14-22

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

Colossians 3:16-17

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Romans 12:1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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By testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect

Thankfully Scripture gives us this “big secret” to being in God’s will. It’s quite simple: as a follower of Christ, make your decisions from a foundation of genuine love, and you will always be aligned with His will. Love is the greatest command—Jesus Himself proclaimed it clearly!

When you act out of love, God walks with you in every decision. He will never forsake or abandon you. Rest in the assurance of Christ’s love and freedom.

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The Authority Of God

Deceptive MOGs will rip verses in and out of context throughout sermons—enough to give you whiplash! Within these mishandlings of Scripture, you’ll inevitably hear shouted opinions, judgment, and condemnation interwoven with biblical passages. This effectively creates an “appearance of biblical authority” for these man-made precepts, leading listeners to equate the MOG’s opinions with what Scripture truly says. The implication is that the MOG is so proficient in the Word that his preaching is fully biblical and perfectly cohesive in God’s word.

Furthermore, It is again inferred that the MOG has searched the word front to back 1,000 times and you could not possibly dedicate as much of your own time to be as knowledgeable - so you inadvertently choose to blindly trust that this MOG must know what he is talking about.

It makes perfect sense in our modern society—why wouldn’t it? We embrace specialization in virtually every field because we know it produces the best, most convenient outcomes for us. This logic naturally extends to our “spiritual leader” whom countless others follow, with consistent “amens” and vocal agreements lending him credibility in each service. Even if you did not want to relinquish your own responsibility to study the Word, how could you possibly fact-check claims made by someone who, as it were, practically lives in his Bible?

This tactic is difficult to detect early on, because you’ll frequently hear, “Search the Word for yourself! Don’t just take my word for it!” Yet, when you really consider it, that challenge is akin to an able adult challenging a child to a race. From the moment we sat under a MOG’s instruction, we were never equipped to mature in the Word (see Ephesians 4, as discussed earlier).

This is by design—the majority of “study” classes were never intended to teach you how to grow independently. Quite often, the individuals leading these study groups have been deceived by the same biblical falsehoods (often as a child) from MOGs past. These systems quickly teach that the only correct way to be ‘fed’ is through the church—thereby never learning how to feed yourself. Recall back to our discussion on how Experience, Emotion, and Expectations are a “reset” button used to keep you from maturing properly.

Furthermore, it is often stated that “God doesn’t change” and “His Word is eternal.” Both are, of course, true! However, these Godly concepts are twisted to support the UPCI doctrine rather than reflecting what is actually written in the Bible. Since the MOG subscribes entirely to this “truth” (UPCI), questioning this “truth” is equivalent to questioning God in a blasphemous manner. This mindset that is instilled into congregants directly contradicts God’s instruction to test the teachings we receive from men.

The Jews embraced this “our version of truth doesn’t change” mindset as well, an attitude that ultimately contributed to the crucifixion of Christ.

What’s the bible actually say?

Romans 10:17

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

ℹ️ Info

This entire chapter is beautiful and covers the simplicity of Christ’s salvation in the face of ritualistic legalism. This excerpt in particular instructs us how our faith actually comes; by hearing the word of Christ (hint: hearing is not limited to just a MOG screaming into a microphone)

1 Corinthians 2:4-5

and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Hebrews 4:11-13

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

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God’s word is living and active; able to discern your thoughts & intentions <- meaning, it’s alive for us today AND able to correct us on its own (no MOG needed to ‘step in’ on its behalf with guilt!)

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness

2 Timothy 2:15

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

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Not going to give you the usual guilt trip on how “if there’s a right way, that means there’s also a wrong way!

The more important point—and the context of this verse—is that Paul was giving specific guidance to Timothy to ensure he handled the Word correctly. This wasn’t a command meant to scare us from studying Scripture or to justify dismissal of non-UPCI doctrines; rather, it serves as an example of what it means to be a good worker in contrast to the false teachers Paul warned against within this chapter.

The next time the spirit of MOG tries to instill fear and doubt about your ability to search the Word of God correctly, ask yourself: Why would God require a man to teach His truth to you? He doesn’t.

God has provided everything we need! As we previously examined, while God has indeed sent proper elders and teachers, they should never be considered mandatory for understanding His Word (even if those individuals were completely blameless).

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The Vision Setter Of God

Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no vision, the people perish

Many have likely heard their MOG quote this verse without reciting it in full—omitting the concluding phrase, “but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” In other cases, the term “the law” is extracted from its context and repurposed to support the MOG’s rule and the misapplication of God’s Word to reinforce his “vision”.

This concept is born from the teaching that the MOG has been entrusted with the care of the flock and therefore has a mandate to cast a vision for the church. That vision can be all-encompassing, ranging from the annual “theme” of the congregation, 30 days of consecration, church wide fasting, the misappropriation of church funds and even to promises of a new church building or parking lot—commitments that are often proclaimed but rarely fulfilled.

A full reading of the entire verse effectively dismantles this so-called “mandate of vision.” Moreover, examining the entire chapter reveals that the pattern and style of these passages in Proverbs present contrasting examples. It is so brutally ripped out of context that any MOG who misrepresents this verse lacks any plausible deniability. The misuse of this verse is intentionally & violently ripped out to support man’s deceptive agenda.

ℹ️ Warning

If a MOG is misusing this verse in a manner that contradicts the direct reading of God’s Word as clearly as this, take it as a clear signal to turn and run!

We will expand further in the “Five Fold Ministry” in an upcoming section—this is where we will properly establish a pastor’s duty is simply to equip the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). The “vision” promoted by the MOG is simply a symptom of swollen conceit—a claim that he holds the missing “piece” to an effective church, a church that has thrived for over 2,000 years without his so-called vision.

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The Experience Of God

“Dimension” and “atmosphere” are among the MOG’s favorite words—used to describe the latest “outpouring” and to subtly pressure you into “praying harder” in pursuit of yet another, even higher level of spiritual experience.

Nowhere in the Bible are there descriptions of “levels” in prayer or of “new dimensions” with God. These terms are employed by MOGs to keep you chasing an emotional high. This is a dangerous place to be, as it reduces us to puppets—distracted by emotions, experience, and expectations rather than engaging in genuine communion with God.

What’s the bible say?

Matthew 6:5-8

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

💡 Tip

Jesus clearly admonishes the modern day ‘altar call’ and ‘dimension traveling’ so prevalent in the UPCI.

The concept of an “altar call” is absent from both the Old and New Testaments. I encourage you to search Scripture for any indication of such a practice—you will find none. Do not be misled into applying Old Testament sacrificial altar principles to Christ’s church. In reality, the true purpose of an altar call within the UPC can range from providing a cathartic emotional release to serving as a tool for exploiting others’ emotional vulnerability.

The repetitive music, loud sounds, and physical sensations of being touched by multiple people effectively short-circuit your brain’s control mechanisms. This section is not an admonishment on ‘altar call’ as a general concept—of course praising God in your own way is none of my concern. The extreme emphasis on prolonged public displays, combined with the fervor lent to the ‘altar call’ we see today associated with ‘dimensions’ is in our focus here.

While this may produce a powerful emotional high, it does not foster deep, lasting roots in your relationship with God or in your love towards others—and is in no way a measure of your salvation. As we examined before; this is a key part of service used to re-enforce your enslavement to emotions, experience, and expectation.

This powerful emotional release is equated to “the Spirit of God”—therefore, you have no choice but to come to the altar to properly feel His presence to the same degree. This creates an unhealthy dependence to the MOG as a direct channel and initiator of God’s presence, along with a never ending seeking of a “new high”.

💡 Tip

God forgive this error! God’s presence and abiding, unending love is freely given unto us—we cannot earn it through the amount of tears we cry each week, nor by how high we raise our hands.

Additionally, the ‘altar call’ is used as a clear indication to the MOG as to where you are in your level of submission and control—refuse the altar call long enough and you just might hear a prophecy of needing ‘fresh fire’ on your life.

Consider this: When was the last time you experienced being “slain in the spirit” in your own living room alone? This observation is not intended as a guilt trip, but rather to illustrate how a group setting can create an environment in which you are more inclined to yield to cathartic experiences. Of course, our personal prayer time with God is not for me to critic. Instead I would encourage us to make sure our heart is in the right place as a first step as Jesus instructed.

The Cross is the first and last altar necessary in our lives—the actual cross, not the one at the front of the church sanctuary. When Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, the veil was torn immediately, signifying that we are no longer bound to a physical location in order to ‘be right’ with God

Matthew 27:50-51

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.

The reality remains that we are saved: by grace, through faith in Christ Jesus—not by our own efforts or works, nor by the “dimension” of prayer we can achieve or by the extent of our public displays of emotion.

Ephesians 2:9-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

More often than not, these so-called “new dimensions” suggest that those present have been endowed with some sort of magical super-Christian power as a result of this “fresh falling”. The next time the MOG falsely promises new signs and wonders at the altar call, ask yourself: Why did the apostles never call fire down from heaven as Elijah did? Why did they not command the sun to not set? Why did they not march around the ‘walls of Jericho’ to break strongholds?

These dimensions we have been sold are a fabrication of man. Christ is not bound by any four walls; nor do we need to emotionally ‘puke’ each time we pray for God to hear us.

Matthew 6:9-13

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Lastly, even if we were to set aside the fact that ‘altar calls’ are not prescriptive in Gods word; how does it make any sense to suggest that the MOG can orchestrate our “movement in the spirit” like some sort of pilot flying us from New York to San Francisco?

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The Authoritative Shepherd Of God

The Shepherd of God is intrinsically tied to the authority & mouthpiece of God descriptors we examined earlier. This concept is often embellished to portray the MOG as tender-hearted, gentle, and ever-present to protect you—guarding the church’s gates against Satan. In reality, once we enter the MOG’s pen as would-be believers, we indeed become sheep—“the sheep of man.”

Rather than being properly nourished, we are fattened and stored for the wolf who masquerades in sheep’s clothing. Our purpose becomes shackled to feed the pride, arrogance, and greed of the MOG. Any sheep that dares to break free from this prison is chained by the fear of being devoured for disobeying the so-called “good shepherd.”

We are consistently told that the “feeding of the sheep” is achieved through preaching and teaching. While this is certainly effective when sound biblical truths are provided, it is no replacement for the complete nourishment that can only be provided through God’s direct word with no proxy in between.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

What’s the bible say?

Ezekiel 34:1-4

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.

ℹ️ Info

Sound familiar? - The context of this verse is addressing the leaders of Israel—those whom failed to lead properly. While we can draw allegorical connections from this passage, the purpose of examining this passage is to highlight God’s faithfulness to His people. God did not turn a blind eye to the failure of the Jewish leaders—He was intently aware.

Matthew 10:5-10

These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.

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Jesus instructed His 12 apostles to freely give to the lost sheep of the house of Israel without seeking personal gain, to genuinely care for the weak, and to call the strays—not by threats.

Yet a deceptive MOG may masquerade as though he were reaching out to the weak sheep of today, as we have established by now the reality often diverges from what is projected. Always examine the fruits produced by the MOG and those around him to discern their true intent.

James 2:15-16

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

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Within the framework of describing the proper relationship between faith and works, James admonishes behaviors such as offering “empty” prayers and proclaiming “blessings” over people’s struggles without taking any actual physical steps to help them.

John 10:11-14

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me

ℹ️ Info

The next time a MOG boasts the fact that he is a “shepherd”, let him be reminded that he is only a hired hand (if even that)—one which will flee us at the first sight of danger. Jesus is our good shepherd, in whom we have eternal protection.

1 Peter 5:1-4

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

ℹ️ Info

Peter, the oft-quoted rock upon which Christ built His church—identified himself as a fellow elder within the body of Christ. These elders were not special celebrities, nor were they the head of the church. Peter never referred to himself as the MOG or even as “the shepherd.” Rather, he instructed these elders to shepherd (a verb, meaning to care for and guide) and to oversee (not control). In practice, elders are meant to serve as examples to the flock, not to domineer over them.

Our greatest example is Christ; therefore we should expect ourselves and our elders to equally: love as Christ did.

God has indeed provided spiritual leaders to help guide us, but we must never lose sight of who our actual Shepherd is: Jesus.

Hebrews 13:20-21

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

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The Measuring Stick Of God

The MOG, along with the systems he carefully constructs around himself, enforces a performance-based, works-centered, and outwardly observable expression of faith. This of course is intertwined with the prior examinations—since the MOG is perceived as being the “closest” to God, he assumes the authority to determine whether you are doing “enough” in God’s eyes. In reality, however, this measurement is based solely on his own expectations.

This concept is the fuel that burns believers; the processor which tears through volunteers. Forever promising, never arriving—congregants will be used until they have no more to give; at which point they will be rung entirely dry and tossed to the side as a filthy rag where they are ’tossed a bone’ on occasion through empty praise of “dedication”.

This is a slow poison that builds over time, often used as another measure of your “walk with God”—so slow in fact that it is hard to recognize until you have already arrived at the point of burnout. Once you do hit that point, you are sent to the “Mediator of God’s” office—in order to bring you back onto the production line.

Remember all the principles we have covered thus far—God is not looking at what you can do for Him, nor with how faithful your “ministry” appears to be. Instead, He is entirely focused on the condition of your heart, not in the manipulative way that has become so ingrained in us.

It is a perverse and deliberately abusive tactic to distort God’s “motive of the heart” in common phrases such as, “If your heart were truly right, you would have no problem dedicating all your free time to the MOG’s mission,” or “After all God has done for us, how can we be so selfish?”

Luke 9:61

Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

ℹ️ Info

This oft-twisted verse is used by MOGs to justify an “all or nothing” approach to volunteer work. Make no mistake—Jesus is speaking of following HIM and not looking back at your life before Him—He wasn’t speaking about singing into a microphone for Sunday’s concert

Matthew 9:36-38

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

ℹ️ Info

This should not be used to guilt-trip you for not “doing enough”. Jesus himself said to his disciples to pray earnestly for more laborers to be sent out—your prayers & support does not always appear in foot traffic. That is in addition to setting aside the discussion that we all are called to spread the good news of Jesus regardless of any formal “ministry” as well.

John 10:10-11

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

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The Five Fold Ministry

Matthew 23:1-12

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.

They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

💡 Tip

Jesus was not a fan of self-righteousness derived from titles, to say the least. Some modern day equivalents we might hear today: pastor, queen mother, bishop, first lady, senior first lady, director,

1 Corinthians 12:27-31

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

ℹ️ Info

That more excellent way Paul hinted at? It’s Love. Love trumps all of these “positions” in importance. Furthermore, one might mistakenly view this as defining a rigid hierarchical structure of the church. However, given the context, Paul is simply listing these appointments in chronological order (remember, the apostles were the first foundation of the church after Christ).

There’s also an issue here—there’s an “8 fold ministry here”! We’ve been duped!

Romans 12:3

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

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I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think.

Romans 12:4-8

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

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Leaders are listed here (by Paul, again!) way at the bottom; erasing any claim of hierarchical authority.

Ephesians 4:11-12

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelist, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

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The duty of these roles is to mature the body of Christ, which provides protection from human cunning, craftiness and deceitful schemes (sound familiar?).

v. 15: we are to speak the truth in love - in order that we grow up into the true head which is Christ. Therefore, these MOGs have abdicated their actual responsibility to equip saints to proper maturity—instead choosing to stunt the growth of believers on false doctrine for personal gain.

Ask yourself: Why does the MOG frequently refer to himself as the “leader” or “head” of the church? Why does he shout “the truth” every Sunday—insulting and talking down to believers—while simultaneously stating, “I love you, but sometimes tough love is needed!”? (prompting you to stand and applaud, lest you get hit with the ol’ “I don’t think anyone heard me!”)

1 Peter 5:1-3

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

ℹ️ Info

Peter identified himself as being equal to the various elders within the body of Christ. These elders were not special celebrities or as the “head” of the church building. Peter did not refer to himself as the MOG or even as “the shepherd.” Instead, he instructed these elders to shepherd—used here as a verb to describe ‘caring for’ and guiding—and to oversee, not to rule. Their oversight should be exemplified through their conduct as models to the flock, not through domineering authority.

Furthermore, note that Peter instructs them to watch “over those in your charge” rather than implying they are “in charge of” the people. This subtle distinction emphasizes a role of nurturing care and guidance rather than one of authoritarian control. Instead of seeking to be a “leader’s leader”, an elder’s role is instead to help build up the body of Christ through sound doctrine and ‘rightly dividing’ the word of God to maturity. Rightly dividing does not mean ripping out specific verses to fit your particular theme / condemnation / opinion.

1 Timothy 3:1–7

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

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MOGs will usually make it a point to distinguish themselves as different than just average ’elders’. As we covered in 1 Peter—Peter himself referred to himself as an elder. Therefore, a MOG should expect to have the same instructions if he is stepping into the role he incorrectly presumes to be ‘anointed’ for.

Titus 1:5-9

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

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As we have clearly established by now, the MOGs we have examined are not holding firm to the trustworthy word as taught, nor are they able to give instruction in sound doctrine. Therefore, Scripture is clear— the spirit of MOG is entirely unfit for the office with which it lays claim to.

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The Lieutenant Of God

Lastly, I wish to briefly address the fanaticism commonly observed among MOGs when they apply military terms and concepts to the church. You’ll notice the prayer room re-branded as “the war room,” the ladies’ ministry renamed “warriors of faith,” the men’s ministry compared to “Seal Team 6,” and leadership classes modeled after various military branches to project an image of rigidity and order. These militaristic ideas are often backed by references to “the armor of God” and numerous Old Testament descriptions of warfare.

I will spare a deep dive into this topic, but it is important to highlight as it too can serve as a clear sign that a MOG is drawing nearer towards full authoritarianism.

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The Love Of God

God loves you unconditionally. He has walked with you through every hurt—every moment when you didn’t feel His presence, every time you experienced shame or condemnation, every instance you blamed yourself for doubting the teachings you’d heard, every time you ignored Him, went through the motions, or pretended that everything was okay on the outside.

He has been with you through it all; and He will continue to be with you.

God is not fear; God is love. His love is not abusive—it is unconditional. God is never absent; He is always with you.

This love knows no bounds; Abide in His love and He will abide in you.

Romans 5:8

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

1 John 4:19

We love because he first loved us.

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

1 Peter 4:8

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Timothy 1:7

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Romans 8:37-39

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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The Prescription

Taking us back to where we began—Jesus’ teachings in Matthew Chapters 5–7:

In Matthew 7, Jesus first instructs us not to judge others, for the measure we use will be the measure God uses for us. Therefore, approach your personal application of God’s Word with grace, humility, love, and truth.

If you have been under the influence of a MOG for a significant period, it may be important to consider when you last had an honest conversation with God. Begin by removing the log from your own eye, the only proper way to do so is through Christ Jesus—not through any man or precept of man.

Jesus then promises, “Ask and it will be given, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Therefore, have confidence that God will supply every need, particularly the truth and love you are seeking through His Word.

As we have discussed repeatedly, Jesus explicitly warns against false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Always observe the tangible fruit of those who claim to be spiritual leaders in your life in order to identify them.

Finally, in verses 24–27, Jesus advises that those who hear His words (as recorded in Chapters 5-7) and puts them into practice are like a wise builder who constructs his house on a solid rock. In contrast, neglecting His teachings leaves one building entirely on sand.

By following Jesus’ example; you are free. Be free.