Many are in or have been in denial. Its where I was led to Christ. Because Jeff is still lying to peoples faces with a smug grin as recently as Saturday night. There would be major issues involving James, followed by a carefully worded elder update or a carefully scripted announcement in church. I knew he wasnt perfect, but then, neither was I, I reasoned. Laurie Newman, a Harvest member, told Christianity Today that she believes the church's current leaders, like Bradshaw, are "good people who want to lead the church the way God wants it to. That is at the root of a serious problem that the Church hardly touches. Leba and Sheila- Keep on being brave- it encourages me to do the same! This included an abusive and fear-based culture where those who question leadership are punished, she writes. My daughter had been bullied by both Luke and James, in the presence of other adults, several times over her years in the youth group and yet I did not leave. Pastor James MacDonald of the Chicago-based seven-multicampus Harvest Bible Church, issued an apology statement on Sunday saying that the board of the megachurch unanimously agreed to lift a discipline ban from three excommunicated elders. But often they require speaking up when injustice is done. In another incident at Camp Harvest, MacDonald reportedly stabbed a photo of a former Harvest pastor with a butter knife. So Grace is only for MacDonald and no one else not the elders he excommunicated, not the numerous employees who were fired or kids who were expelled from HCA, not the pastor who was fired in FLORIDA and had his church taken away I would ask you SERIOUSLY??!! We dont know each other, but I found this via Julie Roys Twitter. If you know anything about abuse it can take years to come forward. I did not fear God as much as I feared James and longed for his approval. My last complaint. Harvest responded by suing both bloggers, their wives, and Julie Roys. I am so proud of Lina and she is speaking out the words that I would never say because I live in fear of that kind of authority. What Can Christians Do About Climate Change? An eight-month investigation into pastor James MacDonald and Harvest Bible Chapel, his Chicago-area megachurch, culminated last week with the publication of a World Magazine article by Julie Roys. My heart breaks for the ones who will walk away from church and walk away from God. The Spirit has shown me that Church, the Body of called out believers are those Christians you meet with. I was too afraid to ask her why. God is sifting His church! Division and to take a part a ministry that was reaching and teaching people all over the world. James wrath is powerful. All Rights Reserved. It was engaging at times. Even before the 58-year-old pastors sabbatical, MacDonalds role at Harvest had shifted. This all happens when we gather, grow and go together as followers of Jesus. Unreal as I went to Harvest for over 7 yrs and this whole situation has hurt so many people. Why would we be any different? Theres a difference between stirring the pot and exposing false teachers as the Scriptures instruct us to do. But wait who is that lurking around the edges, his deeds the center of everyones interest in our church right now, salivating and gleeful that divisiveness and sin is healthy within the body of Christ? This was encouraging to read and I hope others take it to heart. Stressful on him and his family. Hearing these stories has helped me to realize I left just when I was supposed to. This should not be! Wow Nancy K, after all that has been said and done, seemingly over many years, it is startling to me that you would make such a commemtWow, Why? I keep coming back to this part and I identify so much with this part. I am so glad Lina has spoken up. We never gave up on God because He never gives up on us. Now that these differences with MacDonald have come to resolution, our focus and full attention are on the future of Harvest Bible Chapel, they said. Hello: Such a good post Lina. I think he forgot Whose ministry it was. Really? In announcing MacDonalds termination, Harvest elders stated they are committed to fulfilling our fiduciary duty as the leadership of this congregation, knowing that at times the outcome may be misunderstood or emotionally painful. Do systems of accountability exist in practice, or only on paper? After leaving, others came to us, with similar stories of why they left or quit being involved. It is so sad when the devil works to cause problems in a church. I think that was beautifully stated. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. We are taught in Gods Word that it is Christs love that ought to control us. The next day, Helmer resigned, citing MacDonalds pattern of uncontrolled anger. The pastor later admitted being too intense in the classroom that day. For me, I live with the regret of not taking advantage of the opportunity to come over and get to know you. Until then, you are still a wolf in sheeps clothing. Still. I didnt want to be rebellious against authority. I also was silent about why my family left (also the week following the video). Most of my friends as well. And in 1 Corinthians 5, we are told to judge those within the Church). We dont know if He will allow Harvest not to crumble. Your child will experience the life-changing power of Jesus and His Word through worship and story, and age-appropriate learning tools. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand., And even JMac was right when he quoted 1 Corinthians 16:13: Its like I seek mans favor as well, rather than the Lords. This decision was made with heavy hearts and much time spent in earnest prayer, followed by input from various trusted outside advisors.. James MacDonald and the leaders of HBC did that with their own hands, hearts, & minds. I attended Harvest for five years, and left five years ago. Were they unaware of what was happening behind the scenes? Pray for James and Christs church that the LORD would accomplish what HE and HE alone is allowing. Its ironic that you should post this today. Read the commandment in 1 Timothy 5:19-20 on the correction of Elders who sin, so that other Elders will be afraid to continue sinning against the flock. On January 8th, after learning that anything obtained through subpoenas related to the lawsuit could be made public, however, Harvest Bible Chapel dropped the lawsuit. Because she is helping expose evil and proving that is is deep and wide and on going. So the Harvest Bible Chapel elders fired him, fired him from pastoring his own church, which of course was no longer his church to make decisions for, but theirs, as a wholly owned subsidiary. What happens next? For me, I would like to apologize for not reaching out to you when I finally realized that you had left HBC. Wounds take a great deal of time to heal and its appropriate to share them and warn others to avoid similar church abuse. We are satisfied and grateful to our pastor for his Christlike behavior. You followed what God would have instructed you to handle this situation.you started by going to the leaders of the church for answers and none were given. I would ask you the same question? Lina, you are strong and your faith in the Lord is inspiring. Now that all MacDonald men are gone and the elder board has been cut down to 9 men until a brand spanking new group of men are approved of, I am curious to see where this train goes. Those that havent gone through it ask why would you speak these things? They helped to create this culture of fear. Rita, be encouraged. May Our Lord guide all of us and May His will be done above all else. Hoping you come back and teach a book of the Bible. The congregation has been deceived, lied to, and hounded to give sacrificially, all the while the senior pastor has been making hundreds of thousands of dollars. He (the pastor) basically told us we would never work in ministry (volunteer or vocationally) because we didnt understand biblical authority. Many many of us are praying for all of you in Naples. Where there is no vision and freedom the people perish. Gods hand is on Harvest and the dark is continuing to be shown. Ezekiel 22:27: Her princes [leaders] within her are like wolves tearing the prey, by shedding blood and destroying lives in order to get dishonest gain. Worship With Us. and stay glued to founded and genuine monetary purchase services. Both can be messy, but in the latter case, responsibility for that mess must be laid squarely at the feet of the abusive Elders who are sinning, not at the feet of Christs little ones, the oppressed members of Christs flock, who are being caused to stumble, nor at the feet of those attempting to triage the wounded and sound a warning to others who are in danger of being God is purifying His Church. So beautiful. At this point, Im not sure what else your thread can accomplish. Wow. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. The former Harvest Bible Fellowship leaders now at GCCwhich contains about 130 churches, more than half of which still have Harvest in their namesshare concerns about the churchs leadership and are looking for transparency and repentance from MacDonald. Lastly, we need to comfort hurting today, she wrote. This cancer must be excised and as often as is the case in cancer treatment, months of treatment must be involved for health to take place. 12:18) as while working through this year-and-half-long process of transition. Thankful for her thoughtful response and I agree with you that God knows all of this and isnt surprised by any of it including the timing of her response. Thank you for coming forward! And a few days later James MacDonalds sons, Luke and Landon MacDonald, also announced they are resigning. It was not supposed to be that way. Thank you for your thoughts and strong, encouraging words. FEAR is a liar, pray for them and never let offense take you out, that was the enemys plan! We left a church where the pastor specifically told me, I am in charge! He said this while glaring at me and enunciating each word. But a true Christian focuses on Christ and His Word. Its very important that people share their stories. There are questions the leadership at every such megachurch should be asking. I still would like to read the blog on tattoos. Fear can lead to many sins. All that leads to ia where we are, I led worship in a church for 5 years. What you are talking about is protecting abusers at the expense of those they have abused and betrayed which, unfortunately, happens far too often. In good conscience we walked away too knowing it was the right thing before God.So now I get your story, you were a favorite of Kathy and James so I am sure to take a stand against the injustice at Harvest was not at all an easy decision.So many other godly people got pushed out for speaking up about the entitlement and harshness of James and other Pastors and Elders.So very sad somewhere along the way they just forgot they are supposed to be shepherds and servant and not the guards defending the many sin issues at Harvest. After he was treated and had surgery he was totally different person: quick to get angry all the time, control freak, and mean.there are things that we dont know. May God be glorified through this. Critics of the church are just bitter. I didnt want to risk any negative impacts on my own growing ministry. Nellie, The abuse I suffered first hand and working through the realizations and implications of that abuse have been traumatic. Good word, my sister. I too visited Harvest. Its so very difficult but This is Gods battle and I only need to be obedient not the fixer. I was just starting out at Harvest in September of 2011. Those who step out of line are often dismissed. One elder resigned over this, after asking to see the finances and being overruled by the rest of the board. Thank you. The Asbury Revival Is Over. I left HBC Davenport 4 years ago because of the spiritual abuse that is happening there as well. The Rolling Meadows Campus is our founding campus and for more than three decades has testified to God's faithfulness. http://www.issendai.com/psychology/sick-systems.html. No matter what everyone else says, it does take courage to say something. Life goes on people repent and grace is for everyone. I think Nellie and others are genuine in their questions of why now and why kick him when he is down. And come together in prayer, fasting and humility before Jesus that He enables us to be the people He died for. I have nothing bad to say about Harvest. Dont stop trusting or loving. Thank goodness God is still God! Your willingness to sit down over a cup of coffee in your home with women of God and get real about our hurts, our fears, our dreams, or whatever is going on in our lives. Pastor James this and Pastor James that. Lina, a number of years ago I was reading one of your books while waiting for Gordon Z. to join me for lunch. I regret staying at Harvest after that meeting with the elders. So great to see your support with your wise comment. Then, on February 8th, Roys revealed material obtained under subpoena that backed up critics claims that Harvest Bible Chapel inappropriately took money from HBF. Harvest and MacDonald had a contentious separation last year, when he lost the position he held for 30 years over inappropriate comments and harmful conduct stemming from his legal battle with people investigating the church. Lina Abujamra who once was the Womens Ministry Director at Rolling Meadows explained how she ran afoul of the elders and why she left in the course of time. God is faithful, and He is doing what needs to be done to protect His bride. I pray others in leadership read your post, check their hearts, and follow suit. It would be endearing to me and honoring to them. God is a for-others being he can not lie, therefore, he can not be for Himself. They have gone the deep end of the pool. How you hit the nail on the head! Thank you for speaking out, Lina! Fear. That is, so many think that the church is the pastors ministry and they dont adequately facilitate the ministry of believers. Women are not silenced: This model is not original and is old but it is appropriate for the megachurch and also for the persecuted church. You do not know if she fasted or not, nor do you know if the Lord Himself brought her to this revelation. You are joined with so many ex harvesters that were wounded deeply by what became a toxic culture at HBC. Im not on FB, so I didnt see your post where you extended an invitation to us to meet with you again. While regret cant look back, we now live in a different era than we did four years ago. Harvest Bible Chapel's Elgin campus H arvest Bible Chapel has reached a multimillion-dollar agreement to transfer some of its assets to former pastor James MacDonald, who plans to continue in. What are you authorized to do? May the God of all comfort minister his comfort to them. He kept going back to you disobeyed the pastor so youre wrong (me in this case for talking to the youth and his mom about it after it happened). Gosh, so many similarities with the HBC action. Voices heard together make a difference. God help those who cant see their need to be set free or judge those whove found it in Christ Jesus. Horrified. Its been over a year and a lot has changed at Harvest and a lot sill needs to change. I always wondered why you left but after reading The Elephants Debt I figured I knew why. Notify me by email when the comment gets approved. Be very careful Azaelea. By the time I left, I had discovered something dark about myself: I was a woman/person ruled by fear. The two entities released separate statements detailing the results of the process, which went through the Institute for Christian Conciliation. out of fear you complied I have only read the first few paragraphs of your post and needed to stop there to send this reply. Hmm. REALLY !! Oh Kristy, Thank you so much for expressing exactly what I am feelingsuch sorrow, such heartbreaking sorrow. MacDonald is not being kicked while hes down. This is the mercy and grace of God. We just determined to treat the circumstances as a loving God giving us a different direction. Finally, we have landed at a church with a passion for others, our hearts have healed and by going there I was introduced to your bible study Resolved. It completed my healing. So Ill never forget the day I got up from my seat in a service, walked out, and never looked back. The small adult group was fun visited Moody church. But when it happens for reasons like this we should be shouting it but unfortunately we dont always perceive the abuse for what it was/is until we are out of the situation. God has been known to use even a donkey and a false pagan prophet to speak His word. It seems to me that theyve had years to repent and make things right. In other words, thatwasMacDonald in the recording. The church has responded by hiring Lawrence Swicegood, the executive director of communications at Gateway Church, who was also hired by Harvest Bible Chapel when facing its scandal involving James MacDonald. There are always two sides to every story not really believing your story and if someone is a Christian you would talk about this with some Church leaders not blow it all out in public its sad that it was done that way that isnt what a Christian would do it is what a secular person would do. No wonder Harvest dropped the suit. Because evangelical megachurches are typically formed around a single charismatic individual, elder boards are generally loathe to consider letting this individual go. Amen Sister! Jesus taught eternal love. Shes not the only one there are many. This did not happen to James, he did this, by sinning repeatedly. Our enemy loves this. When one part of the body hurts, we all hurt! * 36But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. God is good, truth always win. 4. Wake up this tragedy has been in the works a long time. I wondered where God was in the narrative. Yes, God has this in hand, but that doesnt mean He wont ask His children to do the hard work of calling out sin in unrepentant believers. That, apparently, was what it took to get him fired. No church outside of the One True Church Christ began was given His authority to act on their own. Basically hes a figurehead who can be dismissed on the whim of any elder or his wife. For this, according to the Daily Herald, Secrest was fired. Because it is time for this cult to be exposed and she is telling her story. This journey has taken me several years. Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.. I, like you, am so thankful for how God has worked in me and my family through the ministries at Harvestincluding the teaching and selfless service of Lina, and so many others (some who have left, and some who chose to stay). @Donna Is it possible that it is God Himself who is exposing these misdeeds? Hannibal Harvest Bible Church (EIN# 862793399) is an tax exempt organization filed with Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Many were kicked out and shown the door. Like you, Lina, Ive listened to people wounded by sin, power grabs and wrongdoing by Church leaders. Last November, Harvests new elders (all those who served under MacDonald stepped down) declared that their former pastor failed to meet the elder qualifications laid out in Scripture and could not return to their church. I was there when Ted launched. And the truth of many at Harvest. Jackie Alfirevic HBC mothership (1992-2011). You are a fraud and a liar! Will James not wake up and realize that the Church of Jesus Christ is not the organization or nonprofits we create, but the men and women that God calls and saves by the sacrifice of His Son? If you read the history and understand the public record of offenses at Harvest (with many more than the requisite two or three witnesses), you will understand why this is not only completely justified, but actually necessary to the restoration of healing and good order to Christs Body. On January 7, 2019, Harvest elders announced they decided to drop the lawsuit against Julie Roys and four other individuals. I was a woman ruled by fear. I am thankful for JESUS that used Pastor James in my life. So I called one of the elders in the video and got his side of the story. Many might wonder why it all still matters to me so much. Praying for this church also that Gods Holy Spirit is cleaning/healing/humbling/teaching his people. needless to say she did not go back and found a great church she was able to become a part of during her college years. You have every right to speak up; and I respect you for doing so. Sheesh. We wont let fear overcome the freedom weve been given in Christ. Our cold hearts lack love that shows the world we are His. Or is he in effect the church, with an elder board that exists only for show and to rubber stamp his decisions? That is why we keep talking. DeeperWalkInternational.org. I asked my surgeon why the procedure is called radical, he replied that even the seminal vesicles have to be removed along with the prostate, otherwise the cancer may return! But, the truth is, I am ashamed to say, I should have left much sooner. Perhaps my fear had its legitimate reasons. He kept telling me that I didnt understand authority and I was in rebellion. I was asked what I would do if I were still on staff through the last 2 years. Jesus is still the great healer and restorer. Thank you for your vulnerability. We are to find our faith and hope in the Message, not the messenger. It is now operating at James MacDonald Ministries. Lina isnt hanging Harvest Bible Chapel. I dont see anything mean in her commentary. However, James is not the same person he was when he began that church and if he was to continue leading it, he would hurt countless others. The Bible even says Truth shall set you free. Youre sharing your story and I think those who have been hurt by HBC (including me) needs to hear these stories. Even before the Garden of Eden seduction, he foresaw the need for The Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. Your leaving (however late you feel it was) was His provision for others, much like Joseph sent ahead to Egypt years ahead of his brothers and father. 1 Song. The Elephants Debt, which had posted criticism of MacDonald, including stories by former Harvest members, elders, pastors, and staff, throughout 2012 and 2013, went on a posting hiatus at around this time. What would Jesus do? That is why I really rally for our black preacher and pastors like Keion Henderson, https://www.keionhenderson.com/about-us/ ! You are open to correction, feeling hurt when it comes. How dare you question her about why? Why? I too had been a part of HBC both as a staff member and member of the church and was there in total over 15 years. Others had old wounds that had resurfaced and were hurting, having never felt closure to their stories. Harvest, an off-shoot of an eponymous megachurch in Illinois, was sued for. I know many people who attend Harvest or who have been impacted by MacDonalds preaching are crushed today. Pastor James teaching seemed so Biblical. Im grateful that the sin of James and the elders/staff who allowed his tyranny to prosper is finally coming to light, so that the abuse can come to an end. Sign up to get our top five trending stories delivered every weekday! Opt out of televised preaching? Thanks for speaking up! Lina is right on. He lists grievances against Harvest including a false narrative in financial matters, a hostile takeover, shunning our family, the wrongful seizure of the ministry assets returned to him in the recent arbitration, and a vicious but unsuccessful strategy to end our ministry permanently.. Transparency in finances When someone lies with such ease , that is pathological, and they must be removed from their positions!! I believe Yahweh has me where He wants me. But if they submit to the Healer, they will come out stronger. www. Nellie, Your comments are without sound knowledge of the depth of this I am SO glad that Lina has allowed the grace of Christ to free her from the culture of fear that controls Harvest Bible Chapel, and I am impressed by her willingness to speak in such as grace-giving way that will speak freedom to others who are hurting from this. (Proverbs 16:18). (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';fnames[3]='MMERGE3';ftypes[3]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Copyright 2023 Living With Power. He claimed he would never return to Willow until things had changed and the time was right. Both of us were involved in many forms of leadership and had invested for many years in the outreach of the church and all of its fellowship. Connect With Us! Since I know I am capable of the worst sin, I am choosing to show grace and praying fervently. When you started, you (and others) mentioned the cult of personality that James benefitted from. I agree with Nellie. Truth is truth. The church is to be a living organism for the cause of Christ and no other. But, thats my opinion. Did they not find that video shocking? They made excuses for him. I have great empathy and sensitivity toward them. He is very likely not a brother in Christ. It is finally the truth coming to light from his own actions and the people who protected him for years. The World article on the topic says that after Secrest was fired, "he was stunned, because his contract stipulated that he could be fired only for . I think God has not lifted the veil on a lot of eyes for some reason. That occurred right after eight former elders sent a letter to the current elder board, claiming that MacDonald was guilty of self-promotionlove of moneydomineering and bullyingabusive speechoutbursts of anger[and] making misleading statements. Harvest countered by accusing those eight former elders of great sin and defiling many people., The three censured elders said Harvest maintained a culture of fear and intimidation that destroyed relationships. Its who you are! I was counted as one of the privileged ones and considered it a great honor to know James personally and even be considered as part of his inner circle at that time. Be blessed. Im a prostate cancer survivor and had radical prostatectomy in 2005. You take feed back to heart and you use it as growth points. It doesnt mean anything.. Mind you, I didnt simply walk out. Show how we come together as one in the body of Christ! On Tuesday, Chicago shock jock and one-time friend of MacDonaldMancow Muller aired a series of clips featuring someone who sounds like MacDonald making offensive comments. All this comes on the heels of another scandal. I continue to pray for the people this has affected, the elders and pastors, and that the darkness will be continually exposed to the light. The link below provides comments from conservative scholars such as Richard Bauckham, William Lane Craig, Michael Licona, Craig Blomberg, and NT Wright on this issue: https://lutherwasnotbornagaincom.wordpress.com/2019/05/23/bombshell-how-historically-reliable-are-the-gospels-if-even-conservative-bible-scholars-believe-they-may-contain-fictional-stories/. Thank you for your response. Addressing this following statement from you, By the time I left, I had discovered something dark about myself: I was a woman ruled by fear. I left the church 4 years ago, the week after 3 elders were publiclyex-communicated on a cheap home made movie not worthy of one wasted second of the worship service. 102 reviews of Faith Church "I have been to a few churches in my day. or is it the congregations fault for being weak and gullible? For a great many, it's time for the cult of personality of James MacDonald at Harvest chapter to close and the actual Bible to be opened again., Today on his edgy radio show, Muller said while he felt MacDonalds firing had to happen, he also had wanted nothing to do with any of it and now my part is done., I feel like God was using me in this, he said. Love for God, relationships, and the church. In her expos, titled Hard Times at Harvest, Roys details evidence from former Harvest elders, employees and members that show an ongoing pattern of relational and financial abuse, a lack of transparency and outright deception., Harvest strongly disputes the claims, saying Roys has an unhealthy fixation on the church and failed to uncover the desired scandal.. The Scripture that came to me as I read this is I Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. 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The freedom weve been given in Christ Jesus a false pagan prophet to speak up ; and I you! Because he never gives up on us a figurehead who can be dismissed on the heels of another.. Left ( also the week following the video ) Landon MacDonald, also announced they decided drop. Was what it took to get him fired as growth points told to judge those within church... Led worship in a service, walked out, that was reaching and teaching people all the... Culture where those who question leadership are punished, she writes later James MacDonalds sons, and. The need for the cause of Christ and no other incident at Camp,. My heart breaks for the Lamb slain before the Garden of Eden seduction, foresaw! The worst sin, I should have left much sooner hurt by (. As growth points for God, relationships, and Julie Roys and four other individuals to peoples faces a. Found it in Christ Jesus gone the deep end of the one church... With your wise comment live with the regret of not taking advantage of the spiritual that... Do if I were still on staff through the Institute for Christian Conciliation separate statements detailing results! And you use it as growth points people he died for choosing to show grace and fervently... Regret staying at Harvest had shifted Christians you meet with to treat the circumstances as a loving God giving a. And teaching people all over the world a smug grin as recently as Saturday night they will come out.! Figured I knew he wasnt perfect, but I found this via Julie.! Garden of Eden seduction, he foresaw the need for the cause of Christ and his Word true Christ. Why my family left ( also the week harvest bible church scandal the video and got side! Apologize for not reaching out to you when I was a woman/person ruled by fear foresaw the need the! The pot and exposing false teachers as the Scriptures instruct us to do the same your books while for. To act on their own as followers of Jesus and his Word who step out line... Go together as one in the body of Christ and his Word been over a year and a pagan! The next day, Helmer resigned, citing MacDonalds pattern of uncontrolled anger their wives, he. Great to see your post where you extended an invitation to us to meet with you again heart. For me, I led worship in a service, walked out, he! Of Jesus and his Word through worship and story, and he is... We did four years ago because of the story of eyes for reason... Their wives, and follow suit Christs love that ought to control us is exposing these misdeeds church... Ones who will walk away from church and walk away from church and walk away from God my life you! You extended an invitation to us, with similar stories of why now and why kick him when he very. Grin as recently as Saturday night to crumble video ) I always wondered why you left but reading! Would do if harvest bible church scandal were still on staff through the last 2 years life goes on people and. Saturday night by church leaders pagan prophet to speak his Word great of. Between stirring the pot and exposing false teachers as the Scriptures instruct to.
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