Stephen Choate: Profit of the Lord
How many people are going to sign up on the Stephen Choate website called SpeakGodSpeak, in order to receive a personal prophecy. What's the catch? you may ask. There isn't one until you discover that you have to join his on-line conference which will cost you $125. His website does not say whether this is a one-off payment or he'll be back sometime later for additional funds.What Stephen Choate presents is called simony. It is so named after one Simon the Sorceror. Simon himself believed and was baptised. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished at the great signs and miracles that he saw. Acts 9 v13. The story continues: When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the Apostles hands, he offered them money and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit". Acts 9 vv18-19. Thus Simon wanted to buy the Holy Spirit in order to make more money! And that is precisely what Stephen Choate is now attempting to do - make money out of the Gospel.
Here's a sample of what the website offers, speaking of salvation. Jesus is the way to God. He is the most accurate way that translates the Father. Once this is realized you will be realized. Your truest reality within the personification of personal identity is found within the creator. Only through Christ can the knowledge of what you truly are become evident. Stephen's idea of salvation appears to be a realization as to who Jesus is. A search on that page of his website for the words: salvation, cross, crucifixion, redemption or sin yields nothing - supporting the notion that he actually believes his own definition of salvation.
The website throws down the gauntlet: Come and witness the accuracy. Challenge your faith to connect. God will amaze you! So the Holy Spirit is going to give Stephen words of prophecy so that he can fulfill his part of a $125 bargain? If it was called wickedness in the Book of Acts, then it is wickedness today.
The really interesting point that was visible on his website, was the list of names he says have connected: Brian Carn, Jeff Jansen, Jan Jansen, Patricia King, Doug Addison, Sid Roth, Barbie Breathitt, Randy Demain, Mario Maxwell, Jerome Nelson, Jentezen Franklin, Roberts Liardon, Paul Cain, Rick Taylor, E. Bernard Jordan, Chris Johnson, Kim Clements, Jeremy Lopez, David Wilkerson and Richard Hanson. The precise meaning of the word connected is a mystery. Has Stephen attended an XpMedia conference with the likes of Patricia King and did she know he was there? Are they aware that he is using their names to promote his website? Have they blessed this act of wickedness?
Could his prophecies be accurate? But they are certainly not from God. Have you saved your $125?
27th March 2011