Cheryl

Charis,

I do not use the word “heretic” lightly as many do in the church. In this case I would use the word “deceived” because Rick has not chosen to test his visions by the word of God. This is the same thing that happened to our former youth pastor. His visions contradicted scripture but he refused to let anyone test them against scripture because he was so enthralled by the power that the spirits in his vision gave him that he could not for a minute think that a Christian could receive visions from anyone else but God. The fact is that many people claiming to be Christians have received visions that contradict scripture. Scripture tells us to test all things and visions are part of the “all things” that are to be tested by the measuring stick of God’s word.

Unfortunately there are Christians who are easily led by strong leaders who also see those leaders as a type of god who is not to be questioned. Unfortunately that is how I see Matt’s followers. They do not question Matt and the ones who do get censored. That is how the cults keep their people unified. They insist on conformity and they kick out any who question the leaders right to rule.

Keep testing all things like you have been. Don’t hold to anyone’s leadership without testing them by God’s inspired word.