USA Winger: Are We Witnessing the Beginnings of a New Cult?

[Webster]

OpenTools AI summary: Mike Winger's exploration into Joshua Mhlakela's activities uncovers a network of beliefs and practices that echo cult-like characteristics. By making bold claims and failed predictions, Mhlakela has positioned himself as a controversial figure, raising alarm among those familiar with his preachings. Winger's analysis provides a critical perspective, aiming to dismantle the facade of prophethood that Mhlakela attempts to project.

One of the central issues highlighted by Winger is the misuse of scripture by Mhlakela and his followers. This manipulation serves to justify their beliefs and maintain a facade of legitimacy. Winger's video seeks not only to debunk these interpretations but also to inform viewers about the potential dangers of such deceptive teachings.

Throughout the video, links to past discussions and failed predictions are provided, painting a clearer picture of Mhlakela's patterns. Winger's mission is to educate and warn his audience about the potential risks associated with following figures like Mhlakela, encouraging a more discerning consumption of spiritual teachings.

Who Is Joshua Mhlakela? Pastor Who Predicted Rapture for September 23, 24

Tik Tok, Rapture, Jesus Christ, pastor

www.newsweek.com

https://biblethinker.org/now-hes-starting-a-cult-joshua-mhlakela-the-sociopathic-lying-prophet/

 

[Frankj]

Maybe the rapture did happen on September 23rd and there were so few people affected that nobody noticed.

If you're among those reading this, you were left behind to go through the tribulations that are coming now.

 

[Maranatha]

@Frankj not sure if you are serious ?

Here is what I believe:

Mike Winger did a good job trying to warn us !
@5:28 Joshua said that God has revealed this date to him...then he goes on and said what Gold told him...

If someone has a direct revelation from God then I see already a red flag.
When he mentioned a specific date then we can be sure that he doesn't hear from the true Biblical God.
There is no such a date mentioned in the Bible
The prove that Joshua was wrong is now in the pudding

Matth 24
v24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. v25 See, I have told you beforehand.

If Joshua has many followers then he is obviously a cult leader.
It is paramount to know the Scriptures and the true Gospel

 

[Webster]

To answer Pastor Winger's video: yes, I do believe we are seeing the beginnings of a cult there in South Africa who is perverting the Scriptures to fit his own belief system.

On the other hand....

Maybe the rapture did happen on September 23rd and there were so few people affected that nobody noticed.

If you're among those reading this, you were left behind to go through the tribulations that are coming now.

....there is no such thing as a "secret rapture".....
(1) Revelation 1:7, NIV -- “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.
(2) 1 Thess. 4:16, NKJV -- For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

...because the Scriptures, Frank, themselves refute the very idea of such an event; when Jesus returns it will be public, it will be known and everyone shall see His return, from the living on Earth to those resting in Jesus. And no, don't tell me about the "thief in the night" argument for a secret rapture as the verses in question deal with preparedness and not being caught off-guard by events happening around us.

 

[Frankj]

I take it you're an end of trib Rapturist.

In any event, that was a commentary on the spiritual condition of today's Church more than a comment on the rapture, everyone thinking they're going to be the ones raptured and never considering that they actually be among those to whom Jesus says 'I never knew you'.

Today's Church is dominated by unsound doctrine, as was prophesied for the end times.

 

[Webster]

I take it you're an end of trib Rapturist.

Actually, I take the Scriptures at their word when they say their will not be a so-called "secret rapture", that when Jesus returns to this Earth everyone will know about it and there will not be "Left Behind" style rapture, Frank.

Now as for eschatology I would put myself squarely in the Historicist camp and not either the pre or post-trib Rapturist camp.

 

[Frankj]

Actually, I take the Scriptures at their word when they say their will not be a so-called "secret rapture", that when Jesus returns to this Earth everyone will know about it and there will not be "Left Behind" style rapture, Frank.

Now as for eschatology I would put myself squarely in the Historicist camp and not either the pre or post-trib Rapturist camp.

A 'secret rapture' is new to me, I wasn't aware there was a rapture cult with that belief.

But I do believe that only pure Christians, not the modified stuff we see today that probably wouldn't be recognized as Christianity by those closest to Jesus in both time and person during the first century church period, will be the ones 'raptured' if and when there is a rapture as we seem to expect it today.

As far as a rapture, if there is one the way people seem to believe there will be I tend to believe it will occur at the end (not post or after) of the tribulation period where all Christians, both living and dead, will be called to Join Jesus and be his holy army against Satan at the last battle, the one where Satan thinks he is ready to deliver the final stroke of defeat to Christianity and claim total victory but which will actually be his sudden and total defeat.

But that's just my worldly thinking, not something I claim as truth. I highly doubt I will be here to see everything taking place on earth that is usually said will take place in the end times, although It seems like I am seeing some of the events that will set the stage for them in our current times.

FWIW, since most of this is commonly based on -or relies on- Revelation scripture, what is your view of that book?

 

[Webster]

A 'secret rapture' is new to me, I wasn't aware there was a rapture cult with that belief.

You've never read the Left Behind series, have you?
That's where the idea really took off, so to speak.

FWIW, since most of this is commonly based on -or relies on- Revelation scripture, what is your view of that book?

As a historicist, I look at the Book of Revelation and see a continuous, chronological sequence of history stretching from John the Apostle on the Isle of Patmos to when Jesus returns to the Earth and that, as time marches on, more and more of Revelation is being fulfilled before our eyes.

 

[Lamb]

I missed the rapture??? It wasn't until after it didn't happen that I started seeing the news about it. Btw, I don't believe in the Left Behind rapture stuff because it's a modern idea and not biblical. When Jesus returns, we have Judgment Day.

 

[Frankj]

I missed the rapture??? It wasn't until after it didn't happen that I started seeing the news about it. Btw, I don't believe in the Left Behind rapture stuff because it's a modern idea and not biblical. When Jesus returns, we have Judgment Day.

You might be surprised at how many people build their entire lives around that rapture thing.

I've heard pre-tribbers claim that we don't need to worry about things like the Mark and the fight to destroy Christianity since the Church (which generally means them) will have been removed before it happens and we should just go along with anything demanded of us since it isn't what the prophecies are talking about. Basically, if a worldwide power arises that controls everything and requires proof of allegiance to it with a Mark -a personal identifier as such- it isn't a sign of the end times prophecies being fulfilled (the Tribulation period) because the Church (meaning them) is still here and hasn't beam raptured yet.


I tend to be of a different mind.

 

[Frankj]

You've never read the Left Behind series, have you?
That's where the idea really took off, so to speak.

As a historicist, I look at the Book of Revelation and see a continuous, chronological sequence of history stretching from John the Apostle on the Isle of Patmos to when Jesus returns to the Earth and that, as time marches on, more and more of Revelation is being fulfilled before our eyes.

No, I've never read that series, but I did see one of the movies (which made no practical or logical sense to me, more theatric fantasy than potential reality).

 

[Maranatha]

You might be surprised at how many people build their entire lives around that rapture thing.

Sad, but so true !
Many Christians think they can just watch a movie or read a few books with some Bible Verses to know it all.

We need to read the Scriptures for ourselves like the Bereans.
they ..."examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." ( Acts 17:11)

We need to be prepared to "endure till the end..." (Matth.24:13 ,ESV)
(Paul and Barnabas) "were strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God".( Acts 14 v22,ESV)

 

[Webster]

No, I've never read that series

You should read them.

As fiction, they're good. Very much ham & cheese but good fiction.
As prophecy? Well, bless Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins' hearts...

 

[Frankj]

You should read them.

As fiction, they're good. Very much ham & cheese but good fiction.
As prophecy? Well, bless Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins' hearts...

Other than entertainment, what should I expect to gain by reading them? What is the message of faith and understanding of God and his creation they present to consider?

(i.e. do they pose spiritual lessons to ponder that give insights into the meaning of living a Christian life?)

 

[Webster]

Other than entertainment, what should I expect to gain by reading them? What is the message of faith and understanding of God and his creation they present to consider?

(i.e. do they pose spiritual lessons to ponder that give insights into the meaning of living a Christian life?)

Like I said, as entertainment they're not bad. Cheesy, but not bad.
Theologically speaking? I wouldn't touch them with the nearest 10-foot pole around.