Quote
Ring barer
...If you read after cults then you will find that it becomes more and more difficult for people to justify leaving as things deteriorate because they have already forfeited so much moral high ground to become one of the “spiritually elite” who stayed when things got tough...Mr. Cunningham used to teach that there were several marks of an Apostle:
1. Trans-local authority
2. Signs and Wonders
3. Casting out of Demons
Hi Ringbearer! I am sure it is no surprise to you that Tony is very gifted at changing his teachings to suit current culture. Prior to the end of Soma 2008, Tony added to the marks of an Apostle: "suffering persecution". He basically taught that signs and wonders are not necessarily marks of an Apostle because according to Matthew 7 they could be done by those who Jesus didn't know. I don't recall him mentioning Trans-local authority at that time, although I may have missed that day. From August of 2008 to now, Tony has portrayed himself as being "persecuted" by the "bloggers, evil doers, gossips, slanderers and malcontents" thus "qualifying him to be an Apostle". The issue I have with this is that Jesus, Paul and Peter were pretty clear that suffering had to be for Jesus, not for wrong doing.
Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
2 timothy 3:12,13
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
1 Peter 2:19-21
For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
1 Peter 4:15-19
If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."
Ephesians 5:3-16
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
I agree that Tony and the current leadership is suffering, yet they are not suffering because they are preaching the gospel or living righteous lives. On the contrary, they are suffering because they meddled in people's marriages, families, personal finances and spiritual lives, or stood by and watched others do it. They minimized blatant sin of leaders by neglecting to bring appropriate correction or discipline. They magnified the weaknesses and shortcomings of those who dared to question or expose the wrong that was being done to them or others. What is happening to them is the result of unrighteous response to these things and God will not allow His name or word to be mocked. Judgment is beginning with the house of God.
The leadership at Radiant Life is very much like a dysfunctional family with a physically or sexually abusive, and/or alcoholic parent. They operate under the "Don't speak, don't tell" tell rule so they won't "be embarrassed","given a bad name", "lose their job" or, "so our family won't be slandered, embarrassed, or torn apart". Even though they are witnesses to the abuse, they will look the other way out of "love and devotion" to the abusive parent. It is a warped and sick form of love. I do not have to go into detail about the damage that it does to the children of such a family.
Leaders, let me ask you, would you counsel a husband or wife to stay in such an abusive environment? Would you allow the children to stay in a place where neither parent is protecting them from such abuse? Would you stand by and watch as the alcoholic kills himself with alcohol? Why are you acting any different with the people that God has placed under your care?
It is the responsibility of those who know the truth to stand up and speak out! We are called to expose what is done in secret, even if it is shameful to speak of what is being done. All darkness must be brought into the light that correction, healing and restoration may take place and the Body of Christ made blameless and whole.
Wake up!