Behind all their euphemisms about ''religious tradition,'' ''legalism,'' ''old ways,'' ''Pharisees,'' and etc, the whole conflict is really about the word of God- is it still our authority or not?

Holding fast to God's Word is not legalism or mere traditionalism, and no Christian should allow himself to be pressured by these false accusations. God has told us to hold ''fast the faithful word,'' (Titus 1:9).

Rick Joyner is quite descriptive of those of us who will not accept his and the other prophets' rule as the rule of God. He says that although we may appear normal, we are actually being ''ridden'' by demons which urinate and defecate on us. According to him, he saw a vision in which:

Friends, does God teach us to speak this way of our brethren? (Eph 4:29-32.) Do you find this kind of talk in the Bible?

And yet this man has claimed he receives ''revelations'' of a higher quality than those the Apostles received as they penned the New Testament!  (32) 

There is a lack of biblical discussion of the - just expression of loathing and contempt for the personhood of those who disagree.

God has commanded us to examine teachings impartially, in the light of His word- ''examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil,'' 1Th 5:21; hold ''fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching... exhort in sound doctrine and... refute those who contradict,'' Titus 1:9.

But, God has forbidden us to judge our brother- his heart, inner thoughts, or motivation. A discussion about doctrine has no place for names like ''buzzards,'' ''mockers,'' ''ugly faces,'' ''Pharisees,'' vulture urine, or any other such thing. Accusing those who disagree of being the ''very kind of people who crucified Jesus Christ'' is not ''examining everything carefully,'' it is judging and condemning persons.

I hope it is clear that in this paper I have been examing ideas, not people. I do not want to deride anyone's personhood. I do want to clearly outline the beliefs involved and compare them to scripture. I hope and pray those involved will do this as well. I hope and pray all of us will always remain motivated to abandon anything, however dear it might have become, if we find it to be contrary to God's word.

The prophets, on the other hand, believe it is their God-given job to ''purge'' the church of the people who disagree with them. They teach that those who will not convert to their vision should be forced out of positions of leadership in the churches so God's ''New Wine'' can come in. Rick Joyner says those who ''resist'' ''will be removed from their place.''

This sowing of discord and polarization has already cruelly torn apart countless friends, families, and churches, but it is leading toward a much more tragic harvest...