Answering A False Brother’s Accusations
“Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in — who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery — to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. “ — Galatians 2:4–5 ESV
Behind The Scenes Of Online Ministry
There are so many absolutely ridiculous battles that go on behind the scenes when running a YouTube ministry.
Most people have no idea what goes on and simply base their opinions from glimpses of conversations that they see in the comment section of Crack Your Bible. They don’t see the emails and other private messages that are interspersed with whatever they see on the channel’s social media pages.
Unfortunately, as has happened previously, I have received a public threat. I am posting the entirety of known correspondance I have with this person who is making the threat, aside from any YouTube comments this person may have left on the channel.
Need Someone To Blame
It seems as though the person who is currently threatening me (for supposedly ruining his walk with Jesus) must be looking for someone to take their frustrations out on, possibly due to what is going on during this Coronavirus pandemic.
While I don’t know his reasoning, if I had to guess, I’d bet the person was obnoxious about not partaking in common pagan rituals to someone they financially depend upon. Now that this pandemic is shutting off many people’s finances, if this person burned a bridge that they now need, they’re looking for someone to blame.
Due to the accusations in his messages, which are posted below, I’d also guess that this person has been listening to many popular false teachers who preach that you can simply repeat a magic incantation (prayer of salvation) and then you can do whatever you want and still go to Heaven.
On Notice
I am publicly posting this as time-stamped proof I have communicated to this person to stop contacting me.
Pray that this guy sees the error of his ways and turns back to the solid theology of the Word of God, regardless of whether or not he ever watches Crack Your Bible again.
Answering Public Accusations
I will first lay out what I have always taught on this channel about various points of theology, and then I will include the screenshots of the accusations, as well as the text pasted into this post, for ease of reading.
Faith Vs Works
That’s Not A Work
If someone offers you a gift, you have to accept the gift to take possession of it. The act of “accepting” or “receiving” a gift does not suddenly make it a wage.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23 ESV
While Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of sin according to Matthew 26:28, we have to truly believe and confess this to be saved. Belief and confession are not works.
“But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Romans 10:8–13 ESV
Jesus, John the Baptist and all the apostles preached repentance for sin to be blotted out. Repentance is not a work, but an action that shows that you are putting your faith in Jesus Christ.
“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.” — Acts 3:17–21 ESV
Faith Without Works Is Dead
We don’t do good works to become saved, we do good works because we’re saved.
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe — and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” — and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” — James 2:14–26 ESV
Your Works Apart from Jesus Can’t Save You
Being a “good person” won’t get you into heaven. When you stand before Jesus, if He were to ask you “why should you be let into Heaven?” If your answer begins with “I did this and I did that” you have the wrong answer. Trusting in your own works to save you is futile.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” — Matthew 7:21–23 ESV
“For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.” — James 2:10–12 ESV
Only those who have put their trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross and have been born again are saved.
“Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” — John 3:5–7 ESV
How can we know if someone is born again, a new creation in Christ? We’ll see the fruit that they bear.
“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” — Matthew 3:8–10 ESV
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:15–20 ESV
Once Saved, Always Saved?
Demas’ Deconversion
While Satan can’t pluck a person from God’s hand, we are free to walk away from God by no longer believing in Him to follow the world. We see this first hand in Paul’s companion Demas, who Paul told us was his fellow worker. (Check out: In What Order Were Paul’s Epistles Written?)
“Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.” — Philemon 1:23–24 ESV
Later, Paul tells us that Demas has fallen away because he loved the world.
“For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.” — 2 Timothy 4:10–15 ESV
Eternally Sealed?
For brevity’s sake, check out this piece on the common misunderstanding that being “sealed” means that people cannot lose salvation by rejecting Jesus Christ as their king.
Keep The Faith
Christians are told to keep the faith over and over again in Scripture. Paul himself said that it was possible for him, after preaching to others, to be disqualified! How would that be possible if nobody can lose salvation?
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” — 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV
Questions to Consider
- If people can’t lose salvation, why does Hebrews mention those who have fallen away and can’t be restored? You can’t fall away from something you were never a part of to begin with!
“For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.” — Hebrews 6:4–6 ESV
2. Again, you can’t fall away from something you were never a part of to begin with. Why does Jesus say that people received the Word with joy but then they fall away? Is Jesus lying by saying that they initially received the Word?
“And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.” — Mark 4:16–17 ESV
“And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.” — Luke 8:13 ESV
3. How can you submit *again* if you can’t lose salvation? You can’t be severed from Christ and fall away from grace if you were never a part of Christ to begin with.
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” — Galatians 5:1–4 ESV
4. How can the righteous shrink back in the first place before being destroyed if once saved, always saved is correct?
“but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” — Hebrews 10:38–39 ESV
5. How could a person’s condition become worse if they had never *really* been saved to begin with? What are they being entangled in *again* if they were never really saved to begin with?
“For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” — 2 Peter 2:20–22 ESV
6. If we can’t lose salvation, why are we called to work out our own salvation?
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” — Philippians 2:12 ESV
Still Not Convinced?
If these verses still haven’t convinced you, check out this piece on Debunking Once Saved, Always Saved.
Pagan Celebrations & Rituals
You Can’t Dine at the Table of Demons and Dine at the Table of the Lord
Christians aren’t allowed to partake in pagan worship and veneration of other gods.
“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?” — 1 Corinthians 10:14–22 ESV
“When the Lord your God cuts off before you the nations whom you go in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, take care that you be not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? — that I also may do the same.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the Lord hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods.
“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.” — Deuteronomy 12:29–32 ESV
But That’s Not What It Means To Me
Remember, the nation was divided into Judah to the South, and Israel to the North, where rather than worship God as He commanded in Jerusalem, wicked King Jeroboam instituted worship at Bethel and Dan, with a fake priesthood, a new holiday, and two golden calves.
You can read all about it in 1 Kings 12. God didn’t accept this worship, even though people felt like they were worshipping God.
Taking the Mark of the Beast
Taking the Mark of the Beast is a permanent rejection of Jesus. By taking the Mark of the Beast, a person cannot be saved. If Christians can take the Mark and then repent, there would be no call to endure.
“And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”
Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” — Revelation 14:9–12 ESV
Only those who did not take the Mark of the Beast are with God.
“And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire — and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.” — Revelation 15:2 ESV
“Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” — Revelation 20:4 ESV
Correspondence From Threat-Maker
[Rachel’s Note: While I have simply copy and pasted these messages, as well as included a screenshot for transparency’s sake, paragraph breaks & hyperlinks are added by me for ease of reading. All other spelling and grammar is copy and pasted as written and is left unedited.]
Private Facebook Discussion Group, Public Post
Initial Facebook Post Screenshot.
May 1, 2020 6:23 PM
False Brother: “Dear Rachel, Ugh this this gonna hurt me, but I have too. First off I just want to say how much I actually love you. Genuinely and sincerely. I found your channel when I was a babe in Christ and was so intrigued by your way of explaining the Bible.
You are such a great teacher and I mean that from the bottom of my heart, but you’re videos that strictly deal with the gospel are incorrect and have damaged me more than I can say.
The most important thing a leader of a flock can do is make sure they have the correct gospel. That is first and foremost to any teacher. It’s littlerly the most important thing to a persons soul. Hell or heaven.
In your video “Once save, always saved” [Rachel’s Note: As of May 3, 2020, I do not have a video by this title, so the hyperlink is for the episode I’m assuming he’s referring to based on the thumbnail.] you state that a person can lose their salvation by not staying in the faith. This is completely untrue. Salvation cannot and will not be lost for the true believer.
You also say that a believer can take the mark of the beast and lose salvation in the video “Jesus knows you’re a phony Christian” This would make God a liar because He says we are sealed eternally.
Your plan of salvation in these videos is Jesus’s sacrifice plus YOUR faithfulness. Jesus’s sacrifice plus YOU not taking the mark of the beast (assuming that your eschatology is correct).
My point being, you are teaching works very subtly, even though you say you aren’t it. Jesus’s sacrifice plus ANYTHING is works!
I’ve seen you repent of things you’ve said, just like tonight in the live stream, you said you took down videos of you promoting false teachers. [Rachel’s Note: I have not “repented” for things I’ve said. I stand behind my channel. As I said, I removed 2 videos about which channels I like as I no longer listen to certain people mentioned in the videos after they changed their theology.]
So I know you aren’t a prideful person when you know you are wrong. So for me it’s either you address these faults in your gospel messages or I’m leaving the channel and Facebook page and will not have anything to do with this ministry any longer.
Like I said I love you, and have been with you for a long long time but my eyes have just recently been opened to the subtly of your wrong gospel and unless there is some kind of reconciliation or repentance then I can no longer be apart of Crack your bible whatsoever. God bless.”
Facebook Messenger Conversations with False Brother
May 1, 2020–7:06 PM
Me: “How dare you slander me publicly when the Bible says to first contact people privately. You had the option to contact me and to claim I’m teaching works is ludicrous. It’s as if saying the act of accepting the free gift of salvation is a work. Absolutely shameful behavior on your part.”
False Brother: “Honestly I’m sorry for not contacting you personally first. That really is my bad and against biblical standards. BUT in those two videos you posted you promote a false gospel and me having listening to you has severally damaged my walk with Christ. And who knows how many others.
Seriously go back and listen to those videos. You say the cross isn’t enough, it’s about something you do. Whether it’s your faithfulness or not taking the mark of the beast.
HOW DARE YOU instill fear into genuine and sincere believers in Christ. Shame on you.
Good bye Rachel.”
Me: “No, you’re ignorant of scripture. Let God deal with you. You’re not sincere, you’re a fraud.
What next you’ll say Jesus was teaching works in Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven”
False Brother: “You literally have a video saying that that verse is about people who are bragging about there many works but didn’t trust in Jesus. Your the fraud Rachel. Not me.”
Me: “Seriously, it’s people like you who don’t know scripture at all who have the gall to make false public accusations. You owe me an apology.”
Screenshot of Emails from this False Brother
Screenshot #1
Feb 27, 2020–4:13 PM
False Brother: “Hey Rachel so I’ve been ministering to a guy in the Facebook group and he’s a really nice guy but I’m concerned that he’s mentally unstable. He’s telling me that he is being contacted by angels (Michael and Raphael) and that they are telling him certain things. Idk what to tell him at this point. Any advice?
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 28, 2019, at 11:20 AM, Rachel Stephens <**email removed to prevent spam**> wrote:
I host them whenever / wherever my husband is travelling for business. I was born in DFW area, so we come to TX multiple times a year. If your schedule changes, let me know. If you end up not coming, I’ll see if Eventbrite will refund you.
-Rachel
On Sun, Apr 28, 2019, 11:17 **FALSE BROTHER’S EMAIL REDACTED**> wrote:
How often do you do meetups? Would love to come to next one!
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 28, 2019, at 10:45 AM, Rachel Stephens <**email removed to prevent spam**> wrote:
Ok thanks for letting me know!
On Sun, Apr 28, 2019, 10:39 **FALSE BROTHER’S EMAIL REDACTED**> wrote:
So sorry for the confusion, but I actually won’t be able to make it unfortunately
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 28, 2019, at 8:52 AM, Rachel Stephens <**email removed to prevent spam**> wrote:
Hi!
We’re meeting at the Dallas Museum of Art. I will email you when I get there to let you know where in the museum we are meeting.
-Rachel
On Sun, Apr 28, 2019, 01:04 **FALSE BROTHER’S EMAIL REDACTED**> wrote:
Hey Rachel! Sorry, I know I was supposed to rsvp 48 in advance but I didn’t think I was gonna be able to come, but my schedule cleared up. If its a no go just consider my ticket purchase as a donation haha, but still hope to be able to come. Thanks!
Sent from my iPhone
Feb 27, 2020–4:47 PM
Screenshot #2
Continued…
Feb 27, 2020–4:47 PM
Me: “Who is he? Is it **redacted** or whatever?”
Feb 27, 2020–5:03 PM
False Brother: “No its **redacted** He told me not to say anything to the Bible group about it but I’m legit concerned for this guys mental health. Idk if I should just stop all contact with him and pray for him or if I should straight tell him that he is crazy”
Sent from my iPhone
Screenshot #3
Continued…
Feb 27, 2020–6:28 PM
Me: “If he’s telling you not to tell, do you think that sounds like someone who would listen to you regardless?”
Feb 27, 2020–8:09 PM
False Brother: “Yea honestly you’re right. I’m just gonna pray for the guy and distance myself. Thanks Rachel”
Sent from my iPhone
Screenshot #4
Continued…
May 2, 2020–7:25 PM
False Brother: “Dear Rachel,
I just wanted to let you know that if you do not come out and recant the things you’ve said about salvation. Namely your video on once saved always saved, your video on Jesus knows you’re a phony Christian, and lastly (the most appalling) you’re video called “YOU are the rich young ruler” where you subtlety tell your viewers that they will be going to hell if they celebrate pagan holidays, because they transgressed the law, I will be making a long and extensive rebuke video of you and you’re false ministry that will be posted to YouTube to expose your lies and hypocrisy, I will also be sending the video to every person that has became my friend from your Facebook group on Facebook via messenger.
I understand that I don’t have any following whatsoever but I trust the Lord that He will get it out to whoever needs to see it. At this point the ball is in your court. You can repent of your false teaching and lies and twisting of scripture. But if you ignore this message then I will start the process of creating my video.
You can go ahead and delete those videos if you’d like, but I already have screenshots and direct quotes written down from those videos that directly contrast to scripture. If you delete those videos and I show a screenshot of those videos that no longer are there, then people will know you deleted them because you were about to get called out and I will have this message saved to prove that. I also have screenshots of the message you sent me privately on Facebook messenger regarding Mathew 7, that directly contradicts two videos of you saying that, that verse is about people trusting in their works. Which I have also screenshotted…
do the right thing Rachel and amend your false teachings and stop leading poor Christians astray. You are a false teacher, you instill fear and condemnation into to believers. You twist scripture and take it out of context to fit whatever false teaching you wish to push upon your followers. Repent and believe the true Gospel.
Oh and go fuck yourself for leading me astray for almost 2 years of my Christian walk that I will never get back.”
Sent from my iPhone
Screenshot #5
Continued…
May 2, 2020–8:07 PM
Me: “I’ll make sure to publicly post this email on my channel.
The fact that you reject what the Bible clearly says and have fallen for the damnable heresy of Calvinism’s once saved always saved shows you don’t know scripture.”
May 2, 2020–8:12 PM
False Brother: “That fact that you even think once saved always saved equals calvanism shows your ignorance. Both of those doctrines directly oppose one another. Enjoy my rebuke video Rachel. It’ll expose your false ministry for what it is.”
Sent from my iPhone
May 2, 2020–8:14 PM
Me: “How is your behavior Biblical at all?”
May 2, 2020–8:21 PM
False Brother: “Don’t turn the tables on me, Rachel. You’re teachings are completely unbiblical. You take verses way out of context to fit your beliefs. You’re teachings are probably the most deceptive and wicked teachings out there, you preach that it’s not about your works but you say that someone won’t go to
Screenshot #6
Continued…
May 2, 2020–8:21 PM
False Brother: “Don’t turn the tables on me, Rachel. You’re teachings are completely unbiblical. You take verses way out of context to fit your beliefs. You’re teachings are probably the most deceptive and wicked teachings out there, you preach that it’s not about your works but you say that someone won’t go to Heaven because they celebrate pagan holidays.
You diametrically oppose yourself with you’re videos saying it’s not about your works that get you into heaven, but then say you can’t celebrate holidays, can’t lose you’re faith, and can’t take the mark of the beast. You talk out of two sides of your mouth and I see it for what it is now.
Sent from my iPhone
May 2, 2020–8:23 PM
Me: “Your behavior isn’t Biblical and your behavior not only constitutes libel, of which I can take legal action against you, but also harassment.”
May 2, 2020–8:25 PM
False Brother: “And go ahead and post this to your following. You’ll just be exposing yourself.”
Sent from my iPhone
Screenshot #7
Continued…
May 2, 2020–8:32 PM
False Brother: “Oh and the guy told that just because he didn’t feel sorry for his sin anymore, that he had fallen away from the faith. Was SUICIDAL. It took me talking him off the ledge you heartless bitch.”
Sent from my iPhone
May 2, 2020–8:35 PM
Me: “Contact me again in any form including videos, and I will pursue legal action against you for harassment. Thank you for your information via your previous support.”
May 2, 2020–8:46 PM
False Brother: “Yea you have fun with that. I don’t usually brag about my wealth but let’s just say I have a pretty good legal team.”
Sent from my iPhone
Originally published at http://rachelnstephens.com on May 3, 2020.
