by Brett Jacobsen

Historically, there usually seems to be a counterfeit before, after and during real moves of God. The current reformation and the restoration of the true apostolic are in no way exempt from histories repetitious woes. 

In this modern Christian setting we need to be on guard against things which pretend to be something biblically genuine, but are in fact not. It is perhaps more crucial in this season where God is re forming the structures of leadership and church. Many men and movements profess reformation. In reality they are clinging to the old ways of carnal Christendom and dressing them up with new lingo, programmes and positions.

PART 4 of 7

An excerpt from Chapter 5 in David Orton's book,
"Snakes in the Temple: Unmasking Idolatry in Today's Church"
 
 “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ”
 2 Cor 11:2-3 NIV

Strongholds of Self-Justification
Ezekiel was asked,

“…do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are committing in the dark, each man in the room of his carved images? For they say, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land’” (8:12 NASB).

PART 3 of 7
An excerpt from Chapter 5 in David Orton's book,
"Snakes in the Temple: Unmasking Idolatry in Today's Church"
 
 “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ”
 2 Cor 11:2-3 NIV

“Deceived by the Serpent’s Cunning”

What does all this signify? The snakes in the temple symbolise for us the activity of deceiving spirits. Paul in addressing the Corinthian church declared:

“I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.  But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor 11:2-3 NIV emphasis mine).

PART 2 of 7

An excerpt from Chapter 5 in David Orton's book,
"Snakes in the Temple: Unmasking Idolatry in Today's Church"
 
 “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ”
 2 Cor 11:2-3 NIV

Ezekiel’s Vision of Snakes in the Temple

A prophetic-intercessor friend recently visited a respected church in a particular city. It belonged to a reputable Pentecostal denomination, but during the worship, her eyes were opened and she saw, in the spirit, a large serpent along the length of one whole wall. And as they left the service, the carpark was swarming with writhing baby serpents.

Hi crew,

My laptop has uploaded its last scrip and is on its way to cyber heaven. Due to this I had to get a new one as it is what I do so much of my ministry stuff on.

The Christisall ministry account has thinned out over the past season so we really can't afford one. In the light of this I thought I should throw it out there to people who may have benefited from this ministry to see if some of you may feel the Lord would have you contribute something financially to assist. If not, that's ok.

If you would like to help with computing costs you can:

My good friend David Orton’s book- 'Snakes in the temple' is a must read for any believer who has spent some time in pews and/or pulpits. Not only does it pave the way for reformation in the outworking of church life, it goes straight to the heart to remove the cancerous internal issues of idolatry and carnal Christianity. I’m sure there’s something in this book that will convict every one of us.

In this short seven part series (chapter five of the book) David opens his heart and history to expose less than holy motivations and actions which we probably all have delved in at some stage of our walk and ministry. Be challenged in the grace of God.

Bretto