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THE ANOINTING
It would be difficult to find a charismatic/evangelical service/program/tract/book that is not liberally sprinkled with the word 'Anointed, which has become one of the most overused yet least understood terms in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles. All too many charismatics seem to think the anointing is a commodity that the minister in question can bestow on others. And that anything can be 'anointed', including services, speakers, preachers, music, television programs, prayer cloths, swords, oil, cornmeal, red thread etc. etc. However, a study of every instance of the word anoint / anointing in the Scriptures shows that they are talking through their proverbial hats. The Bible makes absolutely NO mention of any preachers or teachers being "anointed". Much to the contrary the fact that so many are running around calling themselves “anointed” is an extremely ominous sign of the End of Days.
THE DEIFICATION OF MAN
In spite of the fact that over and over again in the Bible Yahweh declares that He is the only God, and no other gods ever were or ever will be formed, a variety of groups including New Agers, Mormons, Hindu gurus, and numerous so called, "Christian" leaders believe and teach either that men are "little gods or will become gods. And, believe it or not, many of them, both Christian and non-Christian actually claim Biblical support citing several verses including the every popular, but hopelessly misunderstood Psalm 82:6 that refers to men as "gods"
SELF ESTEEM
The apostle Paul hit the nail on the head when he warned that one of the characteristics of the last days would be that "men shall be lovers of their own selves" (2 Timothy 3:2). However, the Bible does not forbid us to think well of ourselves, but warns us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. The issue is a matter of degree - Love of self is natural unless it runs to excess. We are exhorted to rise above ourselves and serve God and our fellow man.
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