It certainly gives me NO pleasure in writing this piece. As a matter of fact, it breaks my heart.
I have wrestled with what I’m about to write for the last week.
I have prayed for God to show me if I was to expose the darkness which has seeped into, and is now permeating the Prophecy community. Today, I felt certain that it is God’s will for me to write about this.
God reminded me that the name of this Blogsite is “Absolute Truth From the Word of God.” How can I not write the truth from the Word of God on a topic of such magnitude and potential harm?
First, I would like to give the reader the link to a well written and solidly Bible-based article by Alice Childs – A prolific and much loved writer for Raptureready.com:
“A Call For Discernment and Accountability” <read Alice’s article here
Steve Berger and his Wife Sarah
Many years ago, the Bergers (Steve and Sarah) experienced the death of their 19 year old son, Josiah. I cannot even imagine the pain this couple endured. The death of a child is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking events that any couple can face.
Before the death of Josiah, Steve Berger was a little known pastor of a small church. After the death of Josiah, Steve and Sarah wrote a book entitled: “Have Heart: Bridging the Gulf Between Heaven and Earth.”
In the midst of their pain and suffering, they wrote a book with the intent of bringing healing to other couples who have lost loved ones. Their emotions overtook them, and although they may have meant well, the Bergers encouraged others in the body of Christ to contact their deceased loved ones and to leave the door open for conversation with their dead.
God Warns About Speaking to the Dead
In 1 Samuel: 28, we are told a story about Saul. Samuel had died and Saul sent all spiritists and mediums from the land. But Saul’s continual state of rebellion against the counsel of God, he called back a medium – the witch of Endor to have her summon the spirit of Samuel.
The practice of speaking with the dead was banned in the land of Israel by God:
“When you come into the land of the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you” (Deuteronomy 18:9-12). (emphasis added).
This practice (Necromancy) is nothing but the Occult – Witchcraft – a practice which God has forbidden for His people.
But in this one case in all of Scripture, when Saul entreated the witch of Endor to summon the spirit of Samuel; God allowed it to happen. The spirit of Samuel gave Saul the grave news of his impending death, along with his sons the very next day.
The Berger’s Website
Who are these departed souls who seem to be communicating with loved ones?
I have been asked this question by unbelievers as well as Christians. God forbids us to speak with those who have died. But the mediums who hold these séances insist that they have made contact with the departed souls. It should not be difficult for the child of God to discern these “voices” are certainly not from our loved ones. So, who are they?
They are demons masquerading as the departed souls!
“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11: 14-15).
Amir Tsarfati
I remember the first time I watched Amir speaking at a Prophecy event. He was amazing. I began to research him. I wanted to read about his testimony of coming to Yeshua. I wanted to find out anything and everything I could about this Jewish brother in Christ!
Amir obviously loved the Lord so much and wanted the whole world to know that Jesus is the Messiah. I prayed for the Israeli people to hear Amir speak. I felt such power in his voice, and such excitement about Yeshua. I have loved the fact that Amir came to know Yeshua after watching “The Jesus Film.”
Meeting Steve Berger
I don’t know how Amir met Steve Berger, but recently I have seen the two together, speaking of upcoming events at which they both will be present. Before I knew anything about Steve Berger, I just thought that Amir found a new brother in Christ and is going to minister the Gospel with him.
But then I began reading about Steve Berger being deeply rooted in the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) and if anything could be worse than being steeped in NAR teaching; I found out about the book teaching necromancy which became a best seller.
I also read that Steve Berger, who had pastored a small congregation before he wrote the book in 2010, was now a pastor of over 4000 people!
At first I wanted to believe that Amir did not know about Berger’s book based on necromancy, and also that Steve Berger was a NAR preacher. Amir is a busy man and travels extensively, sharing the Gospel. It was conceivable that he was just not aware of this man’s beliefs.
Behold Israel
But my hopes that Amir was not aware of the NAR teaching and the necromancy came crashing down. I saw many people (quite a few who had been admins for Amir) asking for him to denounce these evil practices and distance himself from Steve Berger, until a time when Steve would also repent.
But instead of having a conversation on Behold Israel with those who were attempting to tell him the truth; I was shocked to see Amir deleting their comments and deleting those who commented.
Steve and Amir Together
The Will of God
Those of us in the body of Christ who are upset and worried by these heretical teachings of Steve Berger, and the anger shown by Amir when anyone brings this up – is more than a bit disconcerting.
Amir has a huge following and many of those people are most likely baby Christians, or even immature Christians. They hang on his every word because he is such a dynamic speaker. I believe that many of us are concerned for the spiritual welfare of these people. They are susceptible to false teaching and do not have the discernment to question these teachings.
We are asking for Repentance
I do not write this article to condemn Amir and Steve. I Am condemning doctrines of devils which the Word clearly tells us will be taught and believed by many in these last days.
Right now, many of us feel that this is being swept under the carpet, with the attitude “This will all fade away if we just ignore it.” THIS is not acceptable to us and especially not acceptable to our Lord Jesus.
I pray that in the coming days we see both Amir and Steve come forward in the Christian community and repent of these wicked ways.
God called David “A man after His own heart.” David had broken every commandment. So, what made God say such a thing about David? It was because David had godly repentance when he sinned, and asked for God’s forgiveness because he knew that he had sinned against Him.
A prayer of repentance by King David
“Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your loving kindness;
According to the multitude of your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2).
It is the prayer of my heart that Amir and Steve will have hearts like David – that they will ask forgiveness from God and Repent before Him.
I think that I can speak for the body of Christ when I say that we love these men, but we must ALWAYS love God and His Word more.
Shalom b’Yeshua
MARANATHA!
Reblogged this on El Noticiero de Alvarez Galloso.
Oh good grief.I have enjoyed Amir because of his knowledge of what is going on over there.Now even that come into question.
If you had a close friend who had a dynamic ministry reaching millions, but one day the friend said to you “I’m starting to be in agreement with Rick Warren and ecumenism” Would you not do everything possible to bring them back to right teaching??????
And I would hope and pray they would listen
Steve Berger’s interpretation of God’s Word of the witnesses that surround us is in error. The witnesses, I believe, are the angelic hosts. Please let me know. I think you and others are right. I believe the Word ” once to die, then the judgment.” I also believe the souls in heaven do not yet have a body until the rapture. Perhaps these souls know what Jesus knows, I don’t know. I don’t think God gives nods with animals. I think that when death happens He can send Peace that Passes Understanding, to the TrueBelievers. TY.
The Two Witnesses are Enoch and Elijah as they did not suffer death in the flesh. One has Testament from before The Flood and the other has Testament after The Flood..GOD BLESS X
TY. 🙂
Reblogged this on Logos Speaks.
Thank you, Geri, for writing with such honesty. Knowing you as I do, it took a lot of courage for you to write this article because I know very well how much you have respected Amir. We have prayed together for his walk with the Lord as well as his ministry over this past year.
What is happening right now in the prophecy community is alarming. There is an old saying: Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are. The bible explicitly instructs us to steer clear from those whose teachings are contrary to the word of God:
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. (Romans 16:17-18)”
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character. (1 Corinthians 15:33)”
“The word says that If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work. (2 John 1:10-11)”
“I do not spend time with liars, nor do I make friends with those who hide their sin. I hate the company of evil people, and I won’t sit with the wicked. (Psalm 26:4-5)”
If we genuinely love Amir, then we need to stop making excuses for him and get down on our knees and pray. He is playing with fire and greatly lacking in wisdom and discernment right now.
The scriptures tell us that: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17)”
A host of believers who has been concerned for Amir have been trying to get through to him via Facebook, but what has he done? He has been deleting their posts and blocking them. This is not the way of the Lord, but the actions of a prideful man. I fear that it may not play out well for him if he continues down this path. We don’t want to see the enemy tarnish his credibility and steal his ministry.
What also concerns me is there are other leaders in the prophecy community who are close to Amir, and who have chosen to remain silent. People whose weekly “Prophecy Updates” and “Christian Ministries/Views” are reaching the masses weekly. People who I have dearly loved, respected and followed each week. I hope and pray they are talking with Amir and encouraging him to do the right thing. We must speak out and take a stand for the truth, if not, then we will be held accountable as well.
This is not to be taken lightly, but something we need to continually and diligently pray about. The article you wrote may potentially rile a few people Geri, but I think you did the right thing in bringing the truth to light. We have to stand up for what is right and true, even if it means we end up standing alone. God bless you for having the courage and boldness to speak the truth. I love you and I am praying for God’s grace and protection over your life too Sis.
Reblogged this on For Such A Time As This.
I Know of Berger and his off the wall teachings.
Other than Keeping company with Berger, where is Amir guilty of these false teachings himself?
Everything I have personally heard from Amir has been kosher. I might not agree with all his eschatology but generally he runs in conservative circles and never into heresy, as far as I know.
But I get how many “teachers” get caught up and rub shoulders with others and validate one another as if they are blessed because of the sheer numbers of followers. I literally bang my head off the wall when solid teachers defend bad apples.
Geri if you have any points of reference on Amir and any false teachings of his, please link them here or email them to me.
Shalom,
Brian
Brian, I was clear in my article that Amir is NOT “teaching” Necromancy or NAR practices. The fact is that this bond between the two has had a negative affect on many followers. Even Amir’s own admins have left him – waiting for him to denounce these practices and plead with his new friend to repent of teaching these. Amir and Steve are a team now, and are even taking people to Israel with them. Steve’s notoriety has been because of his book on speaking to the dead. I’m sorry if you cannot see the danger, not only to Amir (who has been so blessed by God) but to thousands of followers who hang on his every word.
I’m hardly defending Amir. I clearly see the danger. I just wanted to know if Amir has validated anything Berger teaches. Usually these guys build each other up to the point of spiritual blindness, then to the point they teach the same error.
Galatians 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
Meaning ” to spread through, causing a gradual change.”
There is a lot of this happening with teachers and preachers with large following. Book deals, speaking all over the country and world then something changes. Celebrity status, compromise, I don’t know, red flag here and another red flag elsewhere. Using quotes from people who are in error or preach another gospel they should not be quoting at all and many other types of endorsing avenues. It is not the isolated or one time quote; it is the repeated repeated red flags until they CANNOT be ignored is what I think Geri is trying to show and illustrate here.
The larger concern is not necessarily for those that can discern the leaven; it is those that cannot or know not how to discern that can be led down a wrong path by association. Oh, Amir knows him, he is NAR, he must know his book and he & NAR must be good and so speaking to the dead is okay. And so it goes. Some of my thoughts; correct me if I am wrong in this. Thank you.
Well said!
Well said, sis.
Reblogged this on By the Blood of the Lamb.
Amen to what you have written. I noticed that when I first came across Amir his following comprised a lot of gushing women. Also when his son celebrated his birthday he was clad in a spider man suit, many may think I make too much of a little thing, in their eyes, but Spider man, superman and the like are a representation of the occult and should not have a part in a Christian family’s life. The latest controversy about Amir saying that the Archangel Michael is Jesus comes from an already unstable foundation, wrong understandings eventually reach the public platform. Thank you for what you have written. Rosie Higgs
Amen, Rosie.
Amir is such a gifted and charismatic speaker, he demonstrated his passion for Christ in his speech. In fact the enormous applause he received already made me worried that “pride” may creep into his ministry one day. Pride is the oldest sin in the book – it’s what caused Satan to fall at the very beginning. The Bible tells us that “those who walk in pride He is able to put down” (Dan. 4:37). Don’t let pride creep into our life. God hates ungodly alliances. 2 Chronicles 18:1 Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance; and by marriage he allied himself with Ahab. 2 Chronicles 19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Therefore the wrath of the Lord is upon you. Jehoshaphat is a godly king but he made a mistake, he is mindful of the things of man, not the things of God. Galatians 1:10, KJV: “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Keep our eyes on the Lord, not man. So many godly man made the same mistake that Jehoshaphat made, thinking that it’s no big deal to our Holy God.
Can you please give examples of what Steve Berger is teaching, like quotes etc. ? This would be helpful.
Found some here. Doesn’t look good: https://www.thebereancall.org/content/january-2012-q-and-a-1
Pingback: An Open Letter To Steve Berger and Amir Tsarfati: Who Has Bewitched You? – Absolute Truth from the Word of God