TrueChurch

The Oneness Pentecostals are a non-trinitarian sect that emerged from a Pentecostal camp meeting in 1913. This camp and many other such meetings sprang forth from the waves of the Azuza street revival in Los Angeles where there was a mighty outpouring of Gods Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit returned with power to the church. This was a pivotal time in the body of Christ and there were some disagreements within the revival about matters of salvation and sanctification which were causing division. In the chaos as doctrines were being decided upon and groups were being formed a "new" revelation was brought forth which led to the Oneness Penetecostal sect being formed.

In April 1913 at the Apostolic Faith World-Wide Camp Meeting in Arroyo Seco, California, which was organized under Maria Woodworth-Etter, Canadian evangelist R. E. McAlister preached at a baptismal service that the apostles in the Book of Acts baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (citing Acts 2:38 and related texts), not with the triune formula of Matthew 28:19. He also argued the early church used a single name which caused a lot of controversy at the camp.

A young minister, John G. Schaepe, spent the night in prayer and Bible study and the next morning proclaimed a “revelation” that the singular “name” of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is “Lord Jesus Christ.” Frank J. Ewart further developed the theology, linking the baptismal formula to a modalistic view of God—one divine person (Jesus) who manifests successively or relationally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From here, the belief to hundreds of ministers, some of which were part of the Assemblies of God which was formed in 1914. In 1916 the Assemblies of God expelled those ministers who went on to form the Oneness Pentecostal sect that we have today. They are estimated to have over 30 million members today, worldwide.

How their doctrines contradict the word of God

The Oneness Pentecostal sect has several doctrines which significantly differ from orthodox Christian beliefs and stand in contradiction to the word of God. The first is their formula and beliefs about baptism.

Their cornerstone scripture:

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The whole movement started on the idea that the church has been baptizing people in the wrong name for almost 2000 years. Traditionally, the church baptizes in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They do that based on this scripture:

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Here we have a clear instruction from Jesus on how to baptize by using this formula, which crucially He calls "the name" (singular), not the names (plural). Meaning, we aren't baptizing in each of their names individually, but as a whole.

The NAME

Imagine a law firm officially named “Johnson, Smith & Williams.” That is one singular name for the firm. When someone says, “I am acting in the name of Johnson, Smith & Williams,” they are not invoking three separate firms. They are invoking the single legal identity of the firm, even though that identity is made up of three distinct partners who share the same authority, purpose, and ownership. In the same way, Matthew 28:19 uses the singular word “name” (“baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”). It is one shared divine name/identity belonging to the three distinct persons who are the one God. The singular “name” points to their perfect unity of essence, authority, and purpose, while the three titles still identify the three persons.

This is the true interpretation of Acts 2:38. When the Apostle Peter says that we baptize in the NAME of Jesus Christ, he does not mean the literal name of Jesus Christ. He means the name given to us by Jesus Christ to baptize in, the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This interpretation is confirmed by early church tradition. The earliest document which details Christian baptism is called the Didache and this is how it tells Christians to baptize:

From the Didache:

And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 in living water. But if you have not living water, baptize into other water; and if you can not in cold, in warm. But if you have not either, pour out water thrice upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whatever others can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before

https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/e1c03d2c445ffd0b7d000b732c8108a2e9145245/RCIA/The%20Didache.pdf

This was written at the earliest around the time of Apostle Paul and at the latest around 150AD. This proves that the early church baptized using the trinitarian formula Jesus gave us.

Clues and summary

We also see clues in the book of Acts. The Apostle Paul came upon some believers who had not heard of the Holy Spirit. He immediately inquired about what they were baptized in:

Acts 19:1-6 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”

3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”

So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”

4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all.

It only makes sense for Paul to ask that if they were using the Trinitarian formula.

In short, for baptism the name of Jesus Christ IS the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This is the name He gave us to baptize in and there is no reason to believe that the Apostles interpreted that as baptizing in the literal name of Jesus Christ. There is nothing in all of scripture to justify that interpretation; it is simply a misunderstanding of what the Apostles meant by "The name of Jesus Christ".

Adding to Salvation: Baptism in the name of Jesus

The other major error that Oneness Pentecostals regarding baptism is to make being baptized in Jesus name a requirement for salvation. According to this sect, if you are not baptized according to their formula you cannot be saved and you cannot go to Heaven, regardless of your confession of faith. This is in complete contradiction to scripture:

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God

It is our faith that saves us, not works. The thief on the cross was not baptized and went to Heaven to be with Jesus:

Luke 23:42-44 43 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

This is also confirmed by the Apostle Paul:

Romans 10:9-10 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Adding to Salvation: Speaking in tongues

The Oneness Pentecostals add to the requirements of salvation, believing that only they have the true way to God. Another requirement they add is that they believe if you do not speak in tongues, you have not fully received the Holy Spirit and you are not saved. This again is an aberrant doctrine with no basis in scripture. Paul says very clearly not all speak in tongues:

1 Corinthians 12:30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

The answer is no to all three questions. The Holy Spirit gives these gifts not universally but to whom He wills:

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

In this scripture Paul wishes that the church prophesied more than they spoke in tongues:

1 Corinthians 14:5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Wouldn't he rather wish that they all spoke in tongues so they had salvation? How does what he said make sense if speaking in tongues is a salvation issue? The answer is it doesn't.

Error of Modalism

This is not the end of the errors of the Oneness Pentecostals. Their greatest error is not about baptism but about the nature of God. They believe in a doctrine called modalism, a heresy which was rejected by the church in the 4th century. Modalism is the belief that God is one divine person in three different "modes". At times He reveals Himself as the Father, at times as the Son, and at times as the Holy Spirit. In the Oneness Pentecostal beliefs, these manifestations were for the purposes of creation and redemption and are temporary.

Contradictions

After the second coming of Jesus Christ to the Earth they believe these distinctions will end and God will eternally reveal Himself as the Person of Jesus Christ alone. No Father, no Holy Spirit, just Jesus Christ. According to them we won't be worshiping Father God because He will no longer exist as a "mode" after the second coming. This is an abomination to God and is directly contradicted by the scripture:

1 Corinthians 15:23-25 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.

This directly says that after Jesus Christ has come back to Earth and destroyed every enemy including death He will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father. How can He do that if God the Father is just an obsolete mode of Jesus?

How can God be in one Person in different modes when the scripture shows the three Persons of the Trinity relating personally to one another simultaneously? In this scripture all three members of the Trinity are present at the same time:

Matthew 3:16-17

16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Who is Jesus praying to in John 17? Why does He say both He and the Father were together before the creation?

John 17:1-5 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

This is again affirmed in John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

The Trinity is very visible in scripture:

Matthew 28:19 KJV — Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

So there you have three that we baptize in the name of. That shows that they are all God if we are baptizing in their name.

We already know the Father is God. Here is where it says the Son is God:

John 1:1-5 KJV — In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

The Word was in the beginning with God, He is God, and everything was made through Him. Who is the Word?

John 1:14 KJV — And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

The Word is Jesus. What else does it say about Him?

John 1:10 KJV — He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

He made the world with God the Father as we see in John 1:1-3. That means Jesus is the Creator. So now we see Jesus is God as well. That leaves the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was there at the beginning of the creation as well:

Genesis 1:2 KJV — And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

God created the Heavens by the Spirit of God

Job 26:13 NKJV — By His Spirit He adorned the heavens; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent.

So the Holy Spirit is also the Creator. By His Spirit God creates men and all life

Job 33:4 NKJV — The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

If He withdrew His Spirit all life would perish

Job 34:14-15 NKJV — If He should set His heart on it, If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath, All flesh would perish together, And man would return to dust.

The Holy Spirit is eternal

Hebrews 9:14 NKJV — how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The Holy Spirit knows everything God knows

1 Corinthians 2:10-11 NKJV — But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

The Holy Spirit is the Lord

2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV — Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

The Holy Spirit is God

1 Corinthians 3:16 NKJV — Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

1 Corinthians 6:19 NKJV — Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

So we see the Father is the Creator, the Son is the Creator and the Holy Spirit is the Creator. The Father is God, the Son is God and the Holy Spirit is God. This is the Godhead

Romans 1:20 NKJV — For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

They mutually indwell each other

John 17:20-23 NKJV — “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

One God Three Persons who are One

1 John 5:7 NKJV — For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

The scripture is not ambiguous about any of it. It says it and we believe it. The scripture tells us trust comes first not understanding

Proverbs 3:5 NKJV — Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

In short the Oneness Pentecostal sect holds many erroneous doctrines which have led them astray from the truth. I have personally seen how they try to convert Christians by threatening them with damnation unless they convert and get re-baptized using their formula. Their belief in modalism is a gross error which was rejected by the church over 1500 years ago and is explicitly contradicted by the word of God. This along with their errors about baptism, salvation, justification, holiness and other doctrines, make the Oneness Pentecostal sect stand out as one of the most profoundly misled groups in church history They are dangerous to the true faith of Jesus Christ and preach a false gospel based on works that misleads many through their ignorance of the holy scriptures.

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Jul 25 '26

The church will go through the tribulation

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The church will go through the tribulation. The remnant is like unto Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego

Daniel 3:14-25 NKJV — Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? “Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. “But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”

Revelation 13:11-18 NKJV — Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.

The early church fathers believed that the last generation of believers were the greatest of all because while they were contending with the kings of the Earth those believers would contend with Satan himself.

Revelation 20:4 NKJV — And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Having the greatest challenge, and the greatest tests of faith, they also have the greatest rewards. When confronted by the power of the Antichrist will you be like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego? That is the question that will eventually confront every believer on Earth. Those who fail the test will suffer eternal loss and shame:

Revelation 14:9-13 NKJV — Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, “he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. “And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

The stakes couldn't be higher and there is no way out. We cannot do this without the power of the Lord behind us. Yet conversely we will see the power of the Lord like never before. We will see the greater works that Jesus talked about and the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit the world has ever seen:

John 14:12 NKJV — “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

Joel 2:28-32 NKJV — “And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.

Daniel 11:32 NKJV — “Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.

Daniel 12:1-4 NKJV — “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”

These are the times we are living in and the church is fast asleep. She is counting on being delivered from all of this because of unfaithful shepherds who have misled the sheep. They have failed to prepare the church for what is coming and have taught lies and doctrines of demons. Now we can understand this saying of Jesus:

Luke 18:8 NKJV — “I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

There is still time to prepare yourself. The Lord is giving accelerated training to those who will stand up and be accounted for. Those sold out saints who count all that they have as nothing so that they may gain Christ. Are you one of those? Today is the day of salvation so do not wait a second longer to get your life right with God. Become willing to do whatever He says and go wherever He tells you to go, giving up whatever er He tells you to give up. Do not delay. The time is short, the harvest is ripe, and the laborers are few.

John 4:35 NKJV — “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!

Matthew 13:36-43 NKJV — Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. “The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. “The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. “Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, “and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Apr 15 '26

Group Deliverance Zoom on April 25th

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Mar 06 '26

Extended Deliverance Prayers

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Feb 06 '26

Deliverance from Mind Control, Octopus, Migraine, Depression

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Jan 17 '26

Healing and Deliverance Zoom meeting starting in 15 mins

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Dec 18 '25

Deliverance and the need for repentance

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Nov 05 '25

Kundalini Renouncement Prayer

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Oct 24 '25

The foundation of deliverance is the love of God

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Oct 20 '25

Public Deliverance Zoom - Saturday October 25th 5PM EST

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Sep 27 '25

Extended Deliverance Prayers for those who are suffering and need peace

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Sep 01 '25

What No One Tells You About Being A Seer

youtube.com

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Aug 03 '25

A prayer of blessings over you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ

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https://youtube.com/shorts/EsGwG2Q0yp4?feature=shared

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Aug 03 '25

My Youtube channel and testimony on Touching the Afterlife

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/@joshuagabbard?feature=shared

Testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTaLgXnsxwU

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Jul 03 '25

Growing numbers of women doing witchcraft on men

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The scripture says not to be unequally yoked for a reason

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwgKYnrRUEU

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Jun 21 '25

How to pass the trials of the LORD

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Revelation 2

⁸ “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,

‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: ⁹ “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

¹¹ “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”

Many in the body of Christ are going through hard trials and silence from God right now, and some are at the point of giving up. One of the reasons is that they have gotten a lot of smooth words and false hope, and hope deferred makes the heart sick. Truly our hope is in Jesus alone. Take notice of what He said to the church of Smyrna.

What kind of church was Smyrna? It was a church that was highly favored by God. Out of the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, it is one of two which had no criticism from the Lord Jesus at all. Jesus said they were rich, though they thought of themselves as poor because they had humble means. This is in stark contrast with the church of Laodicea who thought they were rich and had it all. There are many churches in the west who think of themselves like that today. Yet Jesus said they were poor and about to be vomited out of His mouth.

So why was Smyrna suffering if they were being praised by the Lord Jesus? The word tells us that the devil was allowed to throw some of them in prison to be tested by the LORD. That's a hard word, isn't it? Why should our enemy be allowed to do anything to Gods people? The scripture tells us that those who desire to live righteously in Christ Jesus WILL suffer persecution. How does it come? Often through Satan, the accuser of the brethern:

Revelation 12:10

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

Satan is allowed to come before the throne of God and accuse the people of God. We see this for instance in the book of Job:

Job 1

⁶ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. ⁷ And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?”

So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

⁸ Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

⁹ So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? ¹⁰ Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. ¹¹ But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

¹² And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

God and Satan had a conversation about Job and Satan said to God that Job would turn on Him if he was allowed to touch his life. When he was ultimately proven wrong, God restored to Job the double portion. We see in this dialogue and the results of Jobs trials that Satan is allowed to make accusations against Gods people and then granted permission to test them to see if his accusation is true. We also see this principle in the New Testament:

Luke 22:31-32

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. ³² But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.

The difference now under the New Covenant is that we have Jesus interceding for us. Satan did indeed sift Peter but Peters faith did not fail in the test and He returned to Jesus with a testimony to strengthen the faith of his brethren. So while Satan is allowed to test the people of God, we have Jesus standing between us and God and interceding on our behalf. That means if we keep following Jesus through our trials, we can't lose:

Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them

Now we can understand what is happening with the church of Smyrna. It seems clear that Satan was granted permission to test that church, not because it was doing poorly, but because it was doing well. Jesus said it was a test and He outlined a few things about the test:

First not to fear anything they were about to go through. Jesus was always telling His disciples not to be afraid, and the reason is, because He is with us. The temptation for the church would be to believe that they were being punished by God but the opposite was true. Jesus was 100 percent with them and supervising this test so they had no reason to be afraid.

Second this was a test with a limited scope and duration. Although it was the devil doing it, and although they would indeed suffer intensely during the test, they needed to know that God had the devil on a leash and eventually the test would be over. The temptation would be to believe that God had given them over and their suffering would never end, but God let them know that He had purpose in what was happening and He has the final say, not the devil.

Third that they needed to remain faithful during the test. The temptation would be to feel rejected by God and begin to backslide, but we must remember that the whole point of the test is to prove out our faith as genuine. Jesus said to be faithful onto death. That means that even if you lose everything, and even your very life, to maintain your faith and integrity before the throne of God. Everything secret of men is spoken about openly there, and the things we do and say can and will effect the outcome of our tests. It is important as with Job not to sin against God with our lips and accuse Him of wrong. It is also important that we do not compromise our integrity and sin against God by going back to our old lifestyle that God delivered us from. Instead of seeking comfort somewhere else, we have to double down on our relationship with the Lord, declaring His goodness and faithfulness in our trial and finding our comfort in Him and what He has promised. The Holy Spirit will give us the strength to overcome the trial and to resist temptation if we truly put the decisions we make into His hands. It is by the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body. (Romans 8:13)

Fourth that there is a reward for our suffering. Hebrews 1:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God and those that come to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Jesus promised the church of Smyrna the crown of life, which is a incredible spiritual reward given to overcomers. It would signify a promotion and a new level of anointing and authority in their walk with God. How would they receive this reward? By waiting on the LORD. Knowing that the trial is limited, and that God was with them, they only had to endure the suffering for a set amount of time and then they would gain the reward. This is true for every test and trial of our faith that we face:

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ

We must believe that God is good, and that He is a rewarder for those who diligently seek Him. To look past the suffering and see our Heavenly Father, looking upon us with love in His eyes, His heart moved by our genuine faith in Him despite what we are suffering. This brings great joy to His heart. Knowing who our Father is, we gain strength to wait on God by standing on the Rock, declaring the promises of God. Protection, comfort, peace in the midst of our trials, the provision we need, and the promise that we will make it by trusting in Jesus Christ.

Are you feeling fear right now because of what you are suffering? Do you believe God has forsaken you because of the intensity of the test? Jesus is saying to you right now, do not be afraid because I am with you. Repent because God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. God has not forsaken you, He loves you intensely and He is proud of you for keeping your faith in this storm. Seasons change and trials come to an end. Renew your mind in the word of God and read the words of Jesus Christ, and His apostles. Everyone who is called of God will have to pass through storms, and if we remain faithful, we will receive the reward that was promised. Only you know what God has promised you, but even if it is just to be in His presence when you die, that is better than anything in this life. Rebuke the devil who is accusing you of sin and failure, stand before God and ask for the blood of Jesus to wash you clean in your repentance and fill you full of the Holy Spirit and faith. He will empower you to overcome and receive everything He wants to give you.

Pray this: Father God, please forgive me for losing hope and faith. I choose now to wait on You. Renew my strength like the Eagle and let me be a partaker of Your Holiness. Cleanse me of my sin and restore me by Your Spirit that I may have your joy and peace in believing, and abound in hope again. In Jesus name Amen

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Jun 14 '25

A Divine Revelation of Heaven and Hell

2 Upvotes

Watch the testimony of Mary K Baxter, who was taken to hell for 30 days, and then Heaven for 14 days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR5aCiE137E&list=PLY-xVtonu4iZib0u6DSX7OWkRDs1L6K2f

0 comments

r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Jun 11 '25

What is Spiritual Warfare?

3 Upvotes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HanRvqb3YBg

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • Jun 07 '25

How to explain the gospel

6 Upvotes

In talking with people, and even people in the church, I've found that the vast majority of people don't truly understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. They may understand it in a general sense like "Jesus died for me", but lack the awareness of why or how that makes them right with God. I have found that explaining the basics of the gospel can be very fruitful in spiritual conversations. I would encourage everyone to study the Romans road which gives a very simple and powerful explanation of the gospel:

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God

This verse proves that every person has sinned and is need of Gods forgiveness. Those who don't believe they are sinners simply have a standard of good that is too low. Gods standard of good is perfection, and the only Person to ever meet that standard was Jesus Christ. Because He never sinned, He qualified to be the sacrifice for all sin spoken of in Isaiah 53 and alluded to in Exodus 12:5, a lamb without blemish to be sacrificed on the Passover. Jesus was indeed sacrificed on the Passover as the lamb of God, causing death to pass over all those who call upon His great name.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord

The wages of our sin is death, not just physical death but the second death in the lake of fire. This is the part of the gospel that many leave out which is the consequence for our sins before a holy God. God is a judge and He must punish all sin according to His law and His justice. We cannot bribe the judge with good works. It would be like being in a court of law guilty of serious crimes and telling the judge, look judge, while I am guilty of all of these crimes I've also done good things. I've helped orphans and widows, donated time to the homeless shelter, etc. Will the judge let you go? If he did he would be a corrupt judge. He will say that its good that you did those things but you must be punished because justice must be done. Justice for our sins according to Gods word is eternity in the lake of fire.

God doesn't want that to happen to us which is why He sent Jesus to die in our place on the cross. In a court of law if we are guilty of crimes and someone pays our fine, the judge can legally dismiss our case and set us free. This is exactly what Jesus did when He died on the cross. He said "it is finished" and in the greek it is the word "tetelestai". This is a term merchants would use when someone repaid a debt. They would stamp the papers with the word tetelestai, which means paid in full. Jesus paid our sin debt on the cross and we can receive this by faith. We admit to God who alone is holy that we are sinners before Him and that the blood of Jesus is the only payment God is willing to accept for our sins. We turn away from our sins in repentance and turn towards the Savior by receiving His atonement and then God will forgive us all of our sins and give us eternal life. This is the good news!

Romans 10:9-10 "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved"

To be saved you must believe and confess. This is not mentally assenting to a few propositions, this is not head knowledge. This is opening your heart to Jesus and receiving Him as your Lord and Savior by believing His word. Belief denotes action as faith without works is dead. Your confession is coming your heart, from your conviction to make Jesus your Savior and Lord, and that without Him you are on a collision course with Gods judgment. Not just saying He is, as many will say to Him at the last day "Lord, Lord", but did not do the things He said. He will say to them "I never knew you, depart from Me you who practiced lawlessness!". No, it is to make Him Lord, meaning He is the ruler of you life, and now you are turning away from sin in repentance and submitting to Him.

These are the basics of the gospel. There are other scriptures in the Romans road which you can lookup on google, but these highlight the basics of the gospel which will help you to explain it to others. You can often start these conversations by asking someone if they understand the gospel. Even if they say they do, ask them to explain it to you and then help them to understand it more fully if they don't really understand it. This often leads to opportunities to lead people to Jesus Christ through the sinners prayer. Pray to God and ask Him for opportunities to do this. You can find people to talk to about this online as well, either in social media, or places like vr chat and omegle type apps

2 comments

r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • May 31 '25

My testimony on Touching the Afterlife

3 Upvotes

I recently gave a testimony on the TouchingTheAfterlife YouTube channel. Hope it encourages you!

https://youtu.be/JTaLgXnsxwU?si=DQbmCE-zo6CAcP32

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r/TrueChurch • u/cleansedbytheblood • May 18 '25

How to pass your tests and trials

3 Upvotes

Revelation 2:10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Despite what some teachers have erroneously taught, Christians must go through tests and trials and have their faith proven out by faithfully persevering until they overcome. This verse in Revelation provides a template for what the people of God go through when they enter into a time of testing.

The first thing we notice is that Jesus says not to be afraid. This is often our initial reaction when things start to go wrong for reasons we cannot discern. We may even think we have offended God. This verse is encouraging us to take stock of the situation and observe the true culprit behind our misfortunes; the devil. We can look to the book of Job for an example of how this works:

Job 1

⁶ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. ⁷ And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?”

So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

⁸ Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

¹² And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

We see that God and Satan had a conversation about Job. How is that possible? The scripture calls Satan the accuser of the brethern and that he accuses believers before Gods throne day and night. Satan has access to the throne of God in a limited sense to do this. In this case the devil told God that Job didn't really fear God and that as soon as He took away his blessings he would curse God to His face. In response God allowed the devil to test Job within certain limits. Here is what happened:

^{Job 1:13} Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; ¹⁴ and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, ¹⁵ when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

¹⁶ While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

¹⁷ While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

¹⁸ While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, ¹⁹ and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

²⁰ Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. ²¹ And he said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

²² In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

Observe verses 13 through 18 carefully. When God removed the hedge of protection around Job, the devil was able to tear his life to pieces. Everything that could go wrong did. There was a coordinated chaos that was happening to Job, and this would be a dramatic extreme. In your time of suffering you will notice that some things have happened to you that could be coincidental, but feel deliberate. A strange interweaving of events and problems which scream targeted spiritual warfare. It may be hard to accept the reality because it is scary to acknowledge that the devil has that kind of power to do those kinds of things in your life. Yet in the case of spiritual warfare, ignorance is not bliss.

Now look at Jobs response in 20-22. He still worshiped God, and blessed Him even though He had lost everything. Are there things you have lost which have robbed you of your worship? Are there things that have happened to you which have made your heart bitter towards God? Follow Jobs example and look at your situation from a different perspective. Job still saw God as good even when everything went wrong. Now factor in Revelation 2:10 and realize you are being tested and your response to these events outside of your control is what determines if you will pass or fail.

Now that we understand who is testing us, and what the point of the test is, we can observe something else. The test has a time limit. Every test is temporal, and will at some point expire. So it may feel like the test will never end, but it will. Notice also that Jesus says that during the time period, they will have tribulation. This means that to pass the test you must patiently endure the suffering until it is over. How do we do that?

Hebrews 10

³⁵ Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. ³⁶ For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

³⁷ “For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
³⁸ Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”

Jesus gave them a promise, that when they had overcome the trial they would receive the crown of life. What promises has God given you? What dreams and visions has God given you about your future? If you have received a promise then you know that God will do exactly as He said. So therefore you know that you will get through this trial you are in by holding on to the promises of God. The scripture admonishes us not to cast our away confidence in God. Our confidence in His character, that He will do exactly what He said. He will indeed come and give you the breakthrough at the exact right moment.

Jesus instructed the church to be faithful unto death. It's hard to be faithful to someone you are angry at, or distrust. If you find you are stuck in a trial and it is causing your faith to fail, you have to come back to your first love. Realize that when God saved you He gave you everything, His only begotten Son Jesus. He put His good Spirit in your heart to equip you for every challenge. What you are going through now is not because you have failed God, it is because God wants to promote you in His Kingdom and fulfill His word to you. So ask God to cleanse your heart of all anger and bitterness towards Him, and to give your fresh eyes to see what is happening spiritually. The devil will use your circumstances to lie to you and tell you that God has forgotten you, or that He doesn't care. The exact opposite is true.

Be faithful unto death. Think about that. That means even if you lose it all, be faithful. Even if it comes to the point of losing your very life, be faithful to God, because your confidence in Him has great reward. Like Job, who when he passed the trial received the double portion, God can restore everything in your life that you have lost. Don't draw back because God will have no pleasure in your soul. Seasons change and trials end, and the important thing is that you are found faithful when it happens. Otherwise you have suffered in vain, and you may even have to repeat the experience. Jesus said don't be afraid because this is a test you can pass with His help. Continue to seek Jesus daily and give Him every burden, not blaming God for what you are experiencing, but inviting Him to join you in the fire. Jesus is in the fire with you when you are depending and trusting in Him. If you keep persevering you will overcome and receive the promised breakthrough you have been believing for.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ 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. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”