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Open Letter to Paul Jackson (re: Rick Joyner)
Posted by: Admin on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 03:27 AM |
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30 July 2003
Dear Pastor Paul Jackson
On Sunday 29th June 2003 members of Truth Watch attended the Rick Joyner meeting at UHCF. Based on our observations during that meeting and wider research into Mr Joyner's teaching and writings we wish to issue a warning concerning Rick Joyner and Morning Star Ministries.
Our motivation for writing is born of a genuine concern for the Church of Jesus Christ and biblical truth. Truth Watch exists to contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3) by opposing false doctrine, prophecy and teaching. We approach you as a brother in Christ who has the grave responsibility of a shepherd, charged with protecting the flock entrusted to him.
We are well aware that you are wedded to a set of beliefs and a leadership ethos that makes it very difficult for you to accept our warning. However, our Lord Jesus did warn us in Matthew 24:11; Acts 20:29-30; John 10:12 and 2 Corinthians 11:13 that 'false prophets', 'false apostles', 'deceitful workmen', 'hired hands' and 'savage wolves' will come amongst us to distort the truth and draw disciples after them. Truth Watch is in no doubt that Rick Joyner is one of the false prophets and teachers that Christ Jesus warns us about. We pray you might remember that Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and as Jeremiah reminds us, "my people love it this way. (Jeremiah 5:31).
Truth Watch hopes and prays that you may heed our warning. The prophets sent to warn Israel and Judah were not heard, but perhaps it is possible for a single fellowship to hear and respond.
In brief, here are some reasons for our warning:- Joyner's UHCF message was a confused account of observations and experiences. It was based on implied and stated assumptions that the manifest presence of God in signs and wonders was more important than the exegetical exposition of scripture. Thus, biblical truth, the foundation of the Christian faith, is dangerously exposed. Counterfeit signs and wonders [why would God fry Wimber's telephones?!] are end times evidence of the lawless one (2 Thessalonians 2:9; Matthew 24:11).
- Joyner is associated with the so-called Kansas City prophets, Mike Bickle, Paul Cain and Bob Jones. He referred to them in his message at UHCF. These men have been linked to false prophecies. Paul Cain prophesied a revival in England in 1990. It did not happen. Cain is also a devotee of the heretic William Branham, who denied the Trinity. Bob Jones' unbiblical dominion/manifest sons/kingdom now 'theology' is promoted by Joyner.
- In his books The Final Quest and The Call Joyner records conversations with the Apostle Paul and other biblical figures. He consults the dead. The Bible clearly teaches that this is necromancy. It is forbidden, defying the Word of God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Isaiah 8:19). By doing so he emulates Saul, a man condemned by God for disobedience (1 Samuel 28:5-11). His attempt to justify this activity in his introduction to The Call cannot therefore be supported, biblically. God makes it clear that this practice is detestable (Deuteronomy 18:12).
- Joyner's books are obviously Gnostic. He claims special revelation and secret knowledge revealed to him. Extensive quotes in his books purporting to be the very words of Jesus and an entity called 'Wisdom' are extra biblical. They defy our Lord's injunction to add nothing to scripture (Revelation 22:18-19; 1 Corinthians 4:6; Proverbs 30:6; Deuteronomy 4:2,12,32) and leave the reader concerned that Wisdom may well be a forbidden 'familiar spirit' (Deuteronomy 18:11 AV).
- In The Final Quest Joyner claims Paul, with [he claims] the Lord's assent, tells him that he is now their hope and must return to "recover the ministry and the message" (pp.135-136). Joyner thus claims Paul's apostolic mantel. His false prophecies, Gnostic revelations, adherence to unbiblical doctrine and claims of an apostle's anointing make Joyner a man discerning Christians should avoid. We would be happy to discuss this in more detail with you.
- Not only are "revelations" and experiences not tested they are given equal weight (as clearly implied at UHCF and in his books) to the Word of God.
- He claims Christianity is going to be redefined. We would ask by whom?
- His quotations from the Bible are haphazard, usually irrelevant with little exegetical teaching. They are a mish-mash of loosely connected ideas that signal his teaching should be discounted by true Bereans.
- In his message at the UHCF (29/6/03) Joyner implies that human ability and perception are the source of Scripture. He also compared the writings of Peter and Paul with John, stating that "John knew the heart of Jesus". He draws an unjustified line between John and Peter/Paul that is not stated in scripture. The Bible states: "All scripture is written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). This example points to Joyner's practice of eisegesis [reading into scripture what is not there], rather than exegesis [expounding what is there].
Joyner is exposed still further in a number of articles that you would be well advised to read. The following URLs are recommended:Pastor Jackson, we remind you again that our Lord Jesus Christ warned us that in the last days there will be many false prophets and much deception. We would urge you to prayerfully consider our concerns and trust that you will defend sound doctrine and take appropriate action to protect your flock. We urge you to disassociate UHCF from false prophets and teachers.
Truth Watch representatives would be happy to meet with you and explain our concerns in more detail. We have, we believe, fulfilled our duty to warn you.
This is an open letter and will be published on our web site, www.truthwatch.info.
Our contact email address is contact@truthwatch.info.
Yours sincerely in Christ
Peter Warnes Truth Watch spokesperson.
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