John Bevere is regarded (and in the past has personally presented himself) as an Apostle and Prophet within New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) circles. His influence on the NAR goes back to the 1980s and 1990s.
In the late 1970s, the Jonestown massacre occurred. Many popular leaders, apostles and prophets in the Third Wave Movement (an earlier protoype of the NAR), realised the dangers of the heavy shepherding theology, many apostles and prophets rejecting it and many condemning the ‘Heavy Shepherding Movement’ (HSM) itself.
However, this theology existed much earlier on through the teachings of the New Order of the Latter Rain in 1948. Many of it’s leaders were responsible in forming and pushing this theology then on, one specifically being Ern Baxter, who was one of the Lauderdale Five (Don Basham, Bob Mumford, Derek Prince, Charles Simpson and Ern Baxter). So this heretical teaching is intricately intwined within mainstream evangelical circles thanks to these earlier influences.
In spite of the death of this heavy shepherding theology, John Bevere has continued to popularise this dangerous and heretical theology throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
False theology is designed to manipulate and benefit the few that wield it. One heretical theology Bevere repackaged from the HSM is what he called ‘Honor culture’ or ‘culture of honor.’ Many apostles and prophets today in NAR cults wield this at full maximum power to control their culture tighly.
Below is a collection of Bevere’s quotes that reflect his dangerous and abusive authoritarian teachers.
John Bevere wrote the following on Facebook
By resisting authority, we bring judgment on ourselves. We don’t want that, and neither does God! http://bit.ly/1GuaQSx
Source: John Bevere, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/JohnBevere.page/posts/10153171067703011, Uploaded March 20, 2015. (Accessed May 15, 2024.)
The article link has been pulled but here is the archived article. Please note – Bevere sees no problem with advertising in 2015 his earlier work from 2001.
SELF-INFLICTED JUDGMENT
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:2 NKJV
Those who honor authority walk in great authority, and respect follows them. They have attracted the blessing of God. Those who revile or lightly esteem authority sow disrespect and cause judgment to follow them.
Experiencing judgment for resisting spiritual authority is more often than not an opportunity to learn and grow. Resistance does not always proceed from an evil heart; it is often committed out of ignorance. In such cases, once realization comes, repentance immediately follows.
Decades ago, a movement within the church got out of hand and submission to leaders teetered out of balance. Because spiritual authority had been abused, people opted to despise it. This mentality contributes to the secret power of lawlessness Paul warned would occur in our day, and it places us in a danger zone. For this reason we are warned:
…Watch out for those who cause division… Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites.
Romans 16:17–18 NIV
Child of God, let me warn you: rebellion is contagious and deadly. The Bible does not say God dislikes it. Scripture makes it clear that He hates it. By resisting authority, we bring judgment on ourselves. We don’t want that, and neither does God!
These truths may not bring you excitement, but they may save your life. Such a message isn’t pleasant, but the benefit of its protection far outweighs the discomfort of its application.
Do these scriptures bring a prick of conviction to your heart? Respond by turning to God, not by hiding in shame or fear. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His love through these sobering words, for He always brings warnings for our protection and greatest good.
Adapted from Under Cover: The Promise of Protection Under His Authority (Thomas Nelson, 2001).
Source: John Bevere, SELF-INFLICTED JUDGMENT, Messenger International, http://messengerinternational.org/blog/devotional/self-inflicted-judgment/, Published March 19, 2015. (Accessed May 09, 205.) [Archived]
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Categories: Messenger International, New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)