Spiritual Connections: A Move of God or and Angel of Light?

Spiritual Connections:

A Move of God
or
an Angel of Light?

By Craig Bluemel

Introduction

This Bible study is for those who have come from Community Chapel and Bible Training Center (CCBTC, Community Chapel, or sometimes called simply, 'The Chapel'), and who experienced an exclusive practice and doctrine known as 'spiritual connections.' This study is not intended to bash people or ridicule their experience. This is a scriptural examination, with commentary, in the hope it might bring healing. It is also an application of the truth of scripture to bring any darkness into the light. This study addresses the 'spiritual connection' doctrine from the scripture, scrutinizing it in light of God's inspired written word.
Defining Spiritual Connections

First it is necessary to furnish a definition of spiritual connections as was taught by the leadership of Community Chapel and practiced by its members. A spiritual connection is defined as an instantaneous union of one person's spirit to that of another, coupled with an overwhelming feeling of unconditional love for each other. It was taught that a spiritual connection was the supreme manifestation of God's agape love. The love experienced through spiritual connections was manifested through eye-to-eye contact, especially while couples danced to praise music.

These connection experiences often lasted for prolonged periods of time. They were also accompanied by an intense desire to be with the person that one had a spiritual connection with. There were other displays of affection including hand holding, embracing, and even kissing. It was not uncommon for spiritual connection couples to spend long hours together, both at church and in other locations, talking and sharing deeply on an intimate level about their hurts, feelings, marriage problems, etc.

Another name for spiritual connections was a 'spiritual union.' It was said that two individuals had a union of their human spirits, through a supernatural anointing from God. During the time period that spiritual connections were practiced at CCBTC, a large percentage of the connection relationships were between a man and a woman. A much lower percentage of 'same sex' spiritual connection relationships ever developed.

The teaching from the pulpit legitimized and encouraged anyone to experience a spiritual connection relationship with another member of the church. Members of CCBTC were encouraged to have multiple connections, although this was more the exception than the rule. Most people who practiced connections paired off with another individual of the opposite sex.

Hundreds of married couples participated in spiritual connections, which developed into long-standing relationships that involved spending a great deal of time together (e.g. dancing to 'praise music' at church, going to dinner alone together, meeting at one another's homes, prolonged hours spent talking alone both at and away from church). Not surprising, this resulted in illicit affairs, fornication, adultery and divorce.

This meant, for example, that the wife of one man could legitimately have a spiritual connection with someone else's spouse (and visa versa). They might meet every day, several times a week, (or with more or less degrees of frequency), for close personal contact. It was taught that this was not inappropriate, as long as they kept their time together "in the spirit." Little regard was given to the fact that prolonged time together with someone of the opposite sex, in most all cases, will result in enamored and romantic feelings.

The affectionate feelings experienced by so many spiritual connections met the needs of those who were lonely, or who had little fondness shown to them by their own spouse. Because these feelings were given a 'spiritual' label, common sense was thrown out, and church members often used "spiritual connections" as justification for their inappropriate behavior.

Don Barnett taught spiritual connections were the means for opening a person's heart up to God's love. He preached a series of sermons titled 'Spiritual and Soulical Connections' that rambled on for months and then years. He said the basis for spiritual connections was to open a person up to a kind of divine healing that comes only through another believer in Christ.

Through one's own experience with a "connection" they would be set free from past hurts and healed as the love of Jesus poured out of someone else's eyes. Married people were encouraged to develop connection relationships with someone other than their spouse, even if they were of the opposite sex.

More often than not, connection relationships involved two people spending prolonged periods of time together, both at church services and outside of the church. Inevitably, this type of behavior created a lot of jealousy in marriages, as wives and husbands would be hurt and offended watching their mate dance in circles, eye-to-eye with someone else.

The pastor taught that any jealousy experienced (as a result of someone's reaction to having their spouse connect with another person) was a 'demon of jealousy.' To substantiate this practice, and keep jealous spouses in line, a strong authoritarian form of despotic leadership was in place. The pastor Donald Lee Barnett laid a foundation of teaching that required every members of the congregation to submit with abandon to his leadership, teaching, and commands.

Another doctrine and practice that reinforced spiritual connection practices was that known as 'demonic deliverance.' Barnett taught that Christians could be inhabited by demons, and that any abhorrent behavior or speech was a demon "manifestation. Thus, if a husband became enraged because he saw his wife dancing with another man, held in that man's arms, and nearly touching lip-to-lip as they danced together to praise music, the husband had a "demon of rage" and a "demon of jealousy."

Demonic manifestations were a convenient way of blaming the forces of evil in Satan's domain for normal human emotions and adverse reaction to a practice that borders on that which is cultic in nature. The pastor used his control and elders to keep in line anyone who spoke against spiritual connections or the pastor, and those whose objections became problematic were excommunicated from the church and labeled as "dissidents."

Don Barnett also taught spouses must "release" their mate into God's hands, so that God could use their husband or wife's spiritual connection to be loved and healed. By "release" he meant that they were to give their spouse over to God, so He (God) could work through their spiritual connection to bring restoration and experience the true "agape" love.

The pastor also taught that spiritual connection love would result in an "agape feast." This meant there would be a massive interaction between multiple spiritual connections in a sort of end-time spiritual feast. It was and still is believed by Don Barnett that spiritual connection love will be the catalyst for the spiritual "Feast of Tabernacles."

During the height of this "move of God," (as it was called by church members), certain individuals were said to have a significant "spiritual connection" and were given laminated "pass cards" to a special room on the CCBTC campus called "Room E-250."

In Room E-250 spiritual connection "love feasts" could be expressed in graphic displays of affection in a location inaccessible to most. Thus, behavior such as kissing, close and prolonged body contact, extending dancing by couples, and laying on top of one another could be done with a certain amount of anonymity and without stumbling others who did not understand the unusual display of affection.

This study is not intended to deny what people experienced in spiritual connections, or to abnegate the reality of it. The magnitude and wide scope of influence on the members of CCBTC testifies to the fact it was a very real experience. Nor is it the intent of this study to say that some good things did not come from people's experience with their spiritual connection(s).

This study is intended to test the validity of spiritual connections with scripture, because God's word is the final authority in all areas of teaching.

If our faith in God and Jesus Christ were based upon feelings and experience alone, what uniform standard of truth could we rely on? God tells us to "test the spirits" to determine whether they are of God or the devil, or the fabrication of men.

The scriptures admonish us to examine everything and hold fast to that which is good. Thus, it is the responsibility of each believer to be diligent to show himself/herself approved by God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

I John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (NAS)

1Thessalonians 5:19-23
Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NAS)

2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. (NAS)

Members of CCBTC who got involved with spiritual connections did not follow the admonitions of scripture, weighing their experience against the clear truth of God's word, and the end result was hundreds of divorces, broken families, wounded hearts, confusion, a church divided, and much more. As spiritual connection relationships evolved, a great percentage of them developed into romance, infidelity, fornication and adultery.

Common sense went out the door and people did not examine things in light of what the scripture taught. God's word identifies the qualities and characteristics of God's "agape" (agape is Greek for affection, love, etc), as in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. People were enjoying the gratifying feelings they had for an illicit and sinful relationship and dare not peer into the Bible with an unbiased mindset, lest they be convicted of sin and be required to forsake their spiritual lover.

The church itself (CCBTC) became a sham to the community and this insidious reputation extended throughout the State of Washington, across the United States, and even into other countries through widespread media coverage. Fellow Christian churches looked on in disbelief as a church of nearly 3000 to 4000 people became deceived in sexual perversity on a grand scale.

Community Chapel eventually divided during a nasty church split between a majority of its elders and Don Barnett. The basis for the breakup of the church was a public expose by the eldership. Pastor Barnett had been caught having multiple inappropriate and even sexual relationships with women in the congregation, and it was discovered he had covered up these incidents by using his authoritarian position to control and manipulate and blame the women rather than accept personal responsibility for his actions.

After the church split, Don Barnett drew away a band of disciples numbering a few hundred people (at the time). As of February 2003 he continues to promulgate and practice spiritual connections at a small rented community hall in Renton, Washington. The name of the church he now leads is called, 'Church Of Agape' (COA) and he maintains his status as the dictatorial pastoral figure.

Many of the church members at CCBTC either followed the tattered leadership of the elders (many of whom had committed adultery, and left the church, and/or backslid from God). Others dispersed to other churches, and many quit attending organized religion altogether. Today many of them have recovered from the initial devastation and consequences of spiritual connections, and some fellowship together via chapel web sites.

CCBTC ceased to exist as a church and the large sanctuary was sold to the state and converted into a training facility for the Washington State Highway Patrol. A small core of the original members who did not follow the pastor (Don Barnett) now attend a church called Resurrection Life that meets in CCBTC's older and smaller facility in SeaTac, Washington. This new church does not adhere to the practice of spiritual connections.

A Closer Look at Spiritual Connections

A variety of opinions regarding spiritual connections exist among former members of CCBTC. Many have renounced the concept of spiritual connections altogether and acknowledge it as a deception from Lucifer. Common sense and the application of truth from the scripture has been a source of cleansing from the filth that once stained the garment polluted by sin and the fleshly desires.

An important element in the restoration of heart, soul and mind for former members of the chapel has been the freedom to talk with one another, share common experiences, hurts, and confusion, and to pray for and identify with one another. When a person has experienced something as unique and strange as spiritual connections, only those who are familiar with it can truly empathize and assist in providing keen insight and wisdom for guidance.

Many ex-chapelites (chapelite is a pet name among former members) remain confused about which elements of spiritual connections were legitimate and the things that were clearly crossing the line of truth. Nearly all former members concur the inappropriate contact between men and women who had "spiritual unions" is wrong, such as adultery, fornication, ignoring one's marriage and family responsibilities, French kissing, and so on.

However, there remains some division concerning the entire practice and doctrine of spiritual connections. There are a great many ex-chapelites who still believe that this was a genuine "move of God" gone astray because of carelessness. These assert that spiritual connection doctrine is not to blame, but the behavior of those who took it into the fleshly or demonic or soulical realm.

An equal amount of former members contend, however, that the entire "move" was a deception from the pit of hell, promoted by a pastor that never dealt with his own sexual prowess and illegitimate appetite for women. Many others hold the elders in large part responsible for not addressing the pastor's problems, behavior and doctrine, but allowing it to continue unchecked until disaster occurred.

The members of CCBTC were poorly equipped in areas of family relationships. In fact, the pastor restricted precious and anointed teaching from the body of Christ worldwide regarding families and relationships (including books and tapes).

Don Barnett did not allow any other Christian publication besides those published by CCBTC, or publications strictly approved by him. He forbid the sale of Christian books from other ministries that did not meet his standard of approval and reprimanded members of the Chapel for reading other sources of Christian literature.

After the Chapel broke up, many people used the variety of resources available to them renew concepts regarding personal relationships (e.g. Focus on the Family with James Dobson). Some former members have been made whole in their perceptions, and gradual healing has come from repentance, forgiveness, and a renewing of their minds with scriptural concepts and life skills. They have buried the past under the blood of Jesus and have moved on with God, seeking to do His will.

Others have maintained an active participation in spiritual connections with its excesses and sin. Most of these individuals are still a part of a church Don Barnett pastors called The Church of Agape. Many of these individuals have divorced their spouses and married their spiritual connections. Others who have not committed adultery or fornication as a result of the intimate relationships are naively following their pastor in this deception.

Many who experienced spiritual connections, but who never fell into adultery or divorce (or who were single and did not commit any sexual immorality) still adhere to the notion that a spiritual connection, in its pure form, is agape love from God that changed their lives. This group of individuals (the ones I have spoken with) maintains that their experience with spiritual connections has changed them for the better.

The folks mentioned above claim they are more open to God's love for others and that spiritual connections helped them to express genuine warmth, compassion and love for others. They also claim that spiritual connections (it's original definition) was a profound move of God's Spirit in their lives, although they admit that many people defiled the connection love by getting involved in excess and romanticism. They further assert that if people had not developed extra-marital relationships, and had kept their conscience undefiled, that the connection love would be the purest form of agape love.

What Is Agape Love?

Since it was and is taught that spiritual connection love is equivalent to agape love, it is important to define agape love and its characteristics from the scripture. A key text for this definition is found in the thirteenth chapter of Corinthians. We will use the Amplified Bible translation of the scriptures to quote this chapter of scripture:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].

The Greek word used in the text above is agape. The Complete Word Study Bible and Reference CD defines agape as follows:

Agápe; genitive. agápes, feminine noun from agapáo (25), to love. Love, affectionate regard, goodwill, benevolence. With reference to God's love, it is God's willful direction toward man. It involves God doing what He knows is best for man and not necessarily what man desires. For example, John 3:16 states, "For God so loved [eegápeesen] the world, that he gave."

What did He give? Not what man wanted, but what God knew man needed, i.e., His Son to bring forgiveness to man. In the plural., agápai, love feasts, public banquets of a frugal kind instituted by the early Christian church and connected with the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

The provisions were contributed by the more wealthy individuals and were made common to all Christians, whether rich or poor, who chose to partake. Portions were also sent to the sick and absent members. These love feasts were intended as an exhibition of that mutual love which is required by the Christian faith, but as they became subject to abuses, they were discontinued.

The following is a list of various places in NT scripture that use 'agápe' and its cognates:

(I) Generally, love as in 1 Cor. 4:21, "Shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love," means full of love, all love; Col. 1:13, "the kingdom of his dear Son [the Son of His love]," is the same as ho agapetós, beloved son. Spoken more especially of good will toward others, the love of our neighbor, brotherly affection, which the Lord Jesus commands and inspires (John 15:13; 17:26; Rom. 13:10; 1 Cor. 13:1; Heb. 6:10; 1 John 4:7). In 2 Cor. 13:11, "the God of love" means the author and source of love, who Himself is love. In Rom. 15:30, "the love of the Spirit" means that love which the Spirit inspires. Followed by eis (1519), unto, with the acc. (2 Cor. 2:4, 8; 2 Thess. 1:3, love unto others; 1 Pet. 4:8). Followed by en (1722), in, with the dat. (John 13:35, "love one to another"; 2 Cor. 8:7).

(II) agápe toú Theoú or toú Christoú, specifically "the love of God" or "of Christ." Here the gen. is sometimes subj. or act. and sometimes obj. or pass.

Subj. or act. means the love which God or Christ exercises towards Christians. The love that is derived from God (Rom. 5:5; Eph. 2:4; 2 Thess. 3:5). Followed by eis (1519), unto someone (Rom. 5:8), and by en (1722), in someone (1 John 4:9, 16). The love of Christ means the love which is derived from Christ (2 Cor. 5:14).

Obj. or pass., that love of which God or Christ is the object in the hearts of Christians. Of God (Luke 11:42; John 5:42; 1 John 2:5). Also used in an absolute sense (1 John 4:16, 18; 2 John 1:6). Of Christ (John 15:10; Rom. 8:35). Instead of the gen. mou, mine, we find in John 15:9 en tem agápe tem emem meaning "in the love, the one of mine" (a.t.).

(C) Metaphorically, the effect or proof of love, benevolence, benefit conferred (Eph. 1:15; 3:19; 1 John 3:1; 2 Thess. 2:10, "the love of the truth," meaning the true love, the true and real benefits conferred by God through Christ).

Summarizing the Definition of Agape Love

The primary definition of agape love is: Love, affectionate regard, goodwill, benevolence. It involves God doing what He knows is best for man and not necessarily what man desires. What did He give? Not what man wanted but what God knew man needed (i.e. His Son Jesus to bring forgiveness to man).

Agape love comes from God in affectionate regard, goodwill, and benevolence. It involves God doing what He knows is best for man and not necessarily what man desires. Christians express agape love by providing for the needs of ALL Christians, whether rich or poor. It is an exhibition of that mutual love, which is required by the Christian faith, particularly to the needy, the sick, and those absent from fellowship of the believers.

Agape is spoken more especially of good will toward others, the love of our neighbor, and brotherly affection. It is the love which God or Christ exercises towards Christians. It is the love that is derived from God.

Agape is the love of which God or Christ is the object in the hearts of Christians. The proof that a Christian has experienced agape is the benevolence shown to others and the benefit conferred upon them in pragmatic ways. It is "the love of the truth" (meaning the true love, the true and real benefits conferred by God through Christ).

Perverted Agape

Since the definition of agape means an "affectionate regard" the word can be used in a positive or negative sense. Generally Christians refer to agape as God's love, but the word is also used in regards to an individual's affection for that which is unrighteous.

The following texts of scripture show various ways in which the Greek word 'agape' is used for those who love that which is evil, dark, and perverted:

John 3:19-20
"And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved (agape) the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. (NAS)

2 Timothy 4:10
For Demas, having loved (agape) this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. (NAS)

2 Peter 2:12-16
But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, having eyes full of adultery and that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; forsaking the right way they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved (agape) the wages of unrighteousness, but he received a rebuke for his own transgression; for a dumb donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet. (NAS)

It is undeniable that "spiritual connection" love was a form of agape because it was a strong feeling of affectionate regard for another individual. People were deceived into thinking a spiritual connection was God's agape love.

They unknowingly entered into this deception believing it was God's way of bringing fervent agape love into the church. Little did they realize that spiritual connections were affection for the darkness rather than the light, because it's deeds were evil (e. g. – fornication, adultery)

The connection relationships were not a seeking of that which is eternal, but an affection for this present world. People involved sought what the connection relationship could provide them, without regard to its consequences and the negative effect it had on their marriages and families.

Those who continue in spiritual connections count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime, using the church sanctuary and other places to develop their illegitimate extra-marital relationships.

Many who pursued a connection relationship with those of the opposite sex reveled in their deceptions, as they caroused with others. They had eyes full of adultery and that never ceased from sin, enticing unstable souls who were vulnerable to this teaching. Thus they became accursed children; forsaking the right way they have gone astray, and loved (agape) the wages of unrighteousness.

Aspects of Agape Love
Comparing Agape Love With Spiritual Connections

We have defined agape, and it certainly differs from the definition of spiritual connections. A comparison will be made between agape love as taught from scripture and spiritual connection 'agape love' as taught at Community Chapel.

This is a list of the characteristics of agape love as seen in scripture:

Love endures long and is patient and kind.

Spiritual connection 'love' has not endured long. In fact, spiritual connections as practiced by CCBTC church members only lasted about 3 years before the church split and was scattered. During this time period, divorces were rampant, families destroyed, and young children stumbled as they watched their parents spending time apart from each other and with their spiritual connections.

The behavior exhibited by those involved in spiritual connections is also unkind. While it was gratifying to the feelings of those involved, it excluded many others unwilling to participate in connections. Those who would not "enter in" (as the pastor said) were castigated and shown deliberate disregard for their feelings.

Jesus said, "Woe to them that cast stumbling blocks," before others. Spending time with someone else's spouse is a definite stumbling block! Unless those who practice this repent, accept God's forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ, and acknowledge that they were in deception, the warnings from scripture are clear and sobering.

Matthew 18:5-10
"And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes! And if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out, and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into the fiery hell. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven. (NAS)
Love is never envious nor boils over with jealousy.

Those who witnessed spiritual connections, but did not experienced it for themselves were often very envious of those who did. In fact, one sister in Christ told me that she spent well over a decade feeling envious of connection love and believed she would not be a part of the bride of Christ because she had not "opened up to it" or been able to see it as anything but a fleshly and selfish relationship between two individuals.

Much of what this sister felt was a direct result of the teaching from the pulpit by Donald Barnett, who said that those who "stiff-armed" connection love would never experience the bridal relationship Jesus promised in scripture. This is exclusionary, elitist and arrogant pride.

True scriptural agape love does not cause others to boil over with jealousy. I can remember the hundreds of husbands and wives who boiled over with jealousy when they saw their spouse in the arms of another man or woman. Jesus manifested God's agape love and it did not provoke a jealousy between husbands and wives.

The jealousy exhibited by the scribes and Pharisees toward Jesus was because he had the multitudes following him (most of them because of His miracles and the rest because of His teaching against religious hypocrisy).

Paul experienced similar jealousy from the Jews because he spoke against their legalism. This type of jealousy was much different than the jealousy of a man observing his wife spending protracted time with her 'spiritual connection!'

Proverbs 6:32-35

Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul. Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away. For jealousy is a husband's fury; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts. (NKJ)

jealousy experienced by married folks watching their spouse 'connect' with someone else (often in inappropriate behavior including going places alone together) is not 'demonic,' as was taught by Don Barnett. They did not have a "demon of jealousy."

The scripture actually justifies this type of jealousy, which is similar to the nature of God, who says He is a "jealous God" (jealous for our single-eyed devotion to Him).

Exodus 34:14-15

For you shall not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God--lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land and they play the harlot with their gods, and sacrifice to their gods, and someone invite you to eat of his sacrifice.
Deuteronomy 4:23-24
"So watch yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which He made with you, and make for yourselves a graven image in the form of anything against which the LORD your God has commanded you. For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." (NAS)

has instituted a law of jealousy for the marriage when there is any type of unfaithfulness (adultery is not limited to merely sexual intercourse; READ Matthew 5:27-29).

Numbers 5:11-15, 16, 20-21, 29-31 God spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel, and say to them, 'If any man's wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him, and a man has intercourse with her and it is hidden from the eyes of her husband and she is undetected, although she has defiled herself, and there is no witness against her and she has not been caught in the act, if a spirit of jealousy comes over him and he is jealous of his wife when she has defiled herself, or if a spirit of jealousy comes over him and he is jealous of his wife when she has not defiled herself, the man shall then bring his wife to the priest…'Then the priest shall bring her near and have her stand before the LORD…if you, however, have gone astray, being under the authority of your husband, and if you have defiled yourself and a man other than your husband has had intercourse with you" (then the priest shall have the woman swear with the oath of the curse, and the priest shall say to the woman), "the LORD make you a curse and an oath among your people by the LORD'S making your thigh waste away and your abdomen swell…'This is the law of jealousy: when a wife, being under the authority of her husband, goes astray and defiles herself, or when a spirit of jealousy comes over a man and he is jealous of his wife, he shall then make the woman stand before the LORD, and the priest shall apply all this law to her. Moreover, the man shall be free from guilt, but that woman shall bear her guilt.'" (NAS) READ Deuteronomy 5:7-10; 6:12-18;

law of jealousy reveals how serious the commitment of a godly marriage is. Marriage is symbolic of the relationship between Christ and the church, and married people should be singly devoted to their spouse.

It is not wrong to have friends of the opposite sex outside the marriage, but NEVER to the exclusion of one's spouse. It is clearly adulterous, even without intercourse, to develop an intimate relationship outside the marriage with someone of the opposite sex.

Would you spend time apart from Jesus for the company of another pagan god? A married person should always consider their spouses' feelings above any so-called 'friendship' with another of the opposite sex.

Ephesians 5:22-33

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body. For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each individual among you also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respect her husband. (NAS)

Love is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride).

concepts taught by Don Barnett regarding this perverted and so-called 'move of God' (i.e. spiritual connections) is a prideful and arrogant belief. To assume it is some sort of exclusive agape love from God unique to CCBTC or COA (to the exclusion of the rest of God's people) is a form of boastful pride, vain glory, and reeks of conceit. God is partial to no man!

Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God. (NAS)

14)

Galatians 2:6 But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)-- well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me. (NAS)

15)

Ephesians 6:9 And, masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. (NAS)

16)

Colossians 3:23-25 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. (NAS)

17)

James 2:7-9 Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called? If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law, according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. (NAS)

greatest arrogance and pride mentioned in the scriptures is self-righteousness. Those people that adhere to the notion spiritual connection love is from God simply because THEY never took it into an adulterous or promiscuous relationship are perhaps the most deceived.

The scripture teaches not do evil that good may come of it. It also says those who think they stand must take heed lest they fall.

1 Corinthians 10:6-14

Now these things happened as examples for us, that we should not crave evil things, as they also craved. And do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play." Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (NAS)
Love it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly.

Webster's Dictionary defines rude as "discourteous or impolite, especially in a deliberate way."

Although people received a measure of openness and warmth through their spiritual connections, it was frequently at the expense of those closest to them (i.e. their spouse and children).

It is discourteous, deliberate and downright hypocritical to ignore the needs of your spouse so that you can show "unconditional" connection love to someone else. God says that marriage is to held in honor amongst everyone in the church. This command is most applicable to those who are married.

Hebrews 13:4

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. (NAS)
Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking.

A spiritual connection is defined as an instantaneous union of one person's spirit to that of another, coupled with an overwhelming feeling of unconditional love for each other. This 'connection love' causes a person to want to be with their spiritual connection a great deal of the time.

Most of the people who experienced spiritual connections testify that they had an intense desire to be with their connection whenever possible and would think of that individual day and night. The connection relationships provided mutual gratification only for each of the two people involved; thus it is to be considered as self-seeking.

People would call or visit with their spiritual connection for the purpose of experiencing or giving love to one another. This may have helped open their hearts and provided a certain level self-esteem, especially if one or both people had problems or deficits in their own marriage. This rationale can never justify such behavior; it is no different from the illicit affairs practiced by unbelievers.

The connection relationship provides people with an outlet for emotional expression and mental stimulation, and an often time involves physical expressions (e.g. hand holding, warm embraces, staring into the other person's eyes to experience their 'spirit,' and in some cases sexual stimulation). To assume this is God's "agape" love is assigning a spiritual reason to justify this type of self-seeking behavior!!

God's love in us does not insist on its own rights or its own way, yet people who had what were called "mega connections" (a very significant and highly intense spiritual connection) would insist on spending time with their connection partner! Even though it made their spouse insecure or jealous to see them spending time with someone else, they experienced so much self-gratification, their spouses' feelings were openly ignored.

Love is not touchy or fretful or resentful.

True agape love is not 'touchy.' The defenders of spiritual connections get very testy, touchy, and resent the fact that anyone would dare question the validity of their experience.

If their spiritual connection love was truly the agape love of God, they could listen to contrary opinions patiently and without fretting or becoming defensive.

Love takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

This aspect of agape involves forgiveness towards those who have hurt or offended you. Many of those who had spiritual connections and got involved in sexually inappropriate behavior have parted ways in bitterness and deep hurt.

To this day hundreds of such relationships have not been reconciled. God forgives sin when we repent. His love can be expressed in us by truly forgiving those we have been hurt by or whom we feel have caused us to stumble and sin. God's agape does not take into account the wrong suffered for the purposes of holding resentment.

Love does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

practice of spiritual connections is associated with unrighteousness, unfaithfulness, promiscuity, fornication, adultery, etc. People sowed to their own flesh and from the flesh they reaped destruction (READ Galatians 6:7-8). Divorce was rampant and multitudes of marriages were destroyed by this deception.

The end result of this deceptive practice was the judgment of God. Just because there were some positive benefits experienced through illegitimate relationships, many held fast to the notion that spiritual connections were of God. They defended their personal connection experience by saying it was merely disobedience to the 'principles' taught by their pastor that made other folks go astray.

The simple fact is this: People who remain involved in spiritual connections do so because they are getting something gratifying out of it, regardless of whether or not the practice and teaching is in line with God's word. Thus, they have made spiritual connections an idol in their heart.

God addresses idolatry in many places in scripture, but one of the most poignant is in the following passage in Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy 32:15-23:

"But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked—you are grown fat, thick, and sleek—then he forsook God who made him, and scorned the Rock of his salvation. They made Him jealous with strange gods; with abominations they provoked Him to anger. They sacrificed to demons who were not God, to gods whom they have not known, new gods who came lately, whom your fathers did not dread. You neglected the Rock who begot you, and forgot the God who gave you birth. And the LORD saw this, and spurned them because of the provocation of His sons and daughters. Then He said, 'I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a perverse generation, sons in whom is no faithfulness. They have made me jealous with what is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation, for a fire is kindled in My anger, and burns to the lowest part of Sheol, and consumes the earth with its yield, and sets on fire the foundations of the mountains. I will heap misfortunes on them…' (NAS)

agape love rejoices when right and truth prevail. Right and truth did not prevail at Community Chapel. What prevailed was unrighteous and unholy behavior. What prevailed was not the truth, but fleshly demonstrations of perversion. Divisiveness and broken lives prevailed because of the practice of spiritual connections.

This does not mean that there were not God-loving Christians at CCBTC and that they did not have the love of Jesus in their hearts for their brethren. Nor did all who were involved in spiritual connections participate in perverse behavior.

Those who still believe spiritual connections are the expression of God's agape love must be reminded of the negative fruit this so-called "move of God" produced, (i.e. divorce, confusion, division, etc.).

I have witnessed discussions on Internet message boards where former chapelites congregate to share thoughts. When any criticism is leveled at Don Barnett, or the practice of spiritual connections, most of the time their response seems negative, and they become very agitated and defensive. They are unwilling to a good hard and an objective look at the negative fruit with an open heart.

Instead they make excuses by saying, "The reason for the hundreds of divorces was because people took spiritual connection love into the flesh. Those who fell into promiscuity didn't follow the 'principles' taught. They yielded to demons of lust and allowed the demons to get them off track"

Such excuses are a form of denial. When the fruit is as rotten and widespread as it was during the peak of spiritual connections at CCBTC, only someone in denial or with deceptive blinders on would be unwilling to, at the very least, question the doctrine and the practice of spiritual connections.

The scriptures command and warn us to examine what type of fruit is produced in the lives of believers and unbelievers. Why should spiritual connections be the blessed exception to this obvious command of God?

In the passage of scripture below, observe how those who claim to be doing spiritual activity (e.g. prophesying, miracles, casting out demons) are excluded from the kingdom of God. Jesus says to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness."

Why would the Lord say this to people who SEEM to be doing good works? It is because their lives do not bear the good fruit that comes from knowing God's Spirit and truth and obediently practicing righteousness.

Matthew 7:13-23

"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.' (NAS)

If spiritual connections were truly of God, the movement would have produced a preponderance of good fruit. It would have resulted in righteousness and the increase of souls saved. But it didn't! Just because a person has a few positive things happen in their life by having a spiritual connection relationship doesn't make that relationship sanctioned by God.

When two people who get involved in extra-marital affairs (without being involved in spiritual connections) something positive and life changing can occur. The illegitimate lover can help build their self-esteem, heal wounds inflicted from a bad marriage, and even increase their capacity to express their feelings and emotions to others. Just because there are positive aspects to an illicit relationship, is it therefore legitimized?

If we do not legitimize adulterous affairs simply because some good can come from them, should we rationalize spiritual connections are from God merely because we experienced some positive things through these relationships? The overall fruit was fleshly, corrupt, destructive to the family and marriage, sensual, full of denial and defensiveness.

The scriptures are replete with warnings from God about men like Don Barnett who follow after ungodly lusts and teach others to do the same. Most of the ex-members of CCBTC I have spoken with acknowledge that Don Barnett is deceived and perverse.

What amazes me is that some of these ex-Chapel members are unwilling to admit that spiritual connections could even be remotely connected with the deception of a false teacher.
During the approximately three years of this so-called move of God at CCBTC, Don Barnett taught an on-going series of messages from the pulpit regarding the dos and don'ts of 'Spiritual and Soulical Connections.'

Apparently he continues his teaching about spiritual connections with a small group of people. One sister in Christ who left Don's so-called 'Church of Agape' in 2001 told me now claims he is the "apostle of the bride of Christ" (her words). If this is true, how perverted and progressive his teaching has become!

Do I believe that Donald Lee Barnett is an apostle? Yes I do. Does this shock and surprise you? I did NOT say what KIND OF APOSTLE I think Don Barnett is; the scriptures call him a "false apostle" and a deceitful worker.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

such men are false apostles

spurious, counterfeits

deceitful workmen

masquerading as apostles

special messengers

Don Barnett's teaching was the basis for what many people believe about spiritual connections to this day. His followers do not realize that the terms, words, or ideas conveyed by him are found NOWHERE IN SCRIPTURE!

The doctrine of spiritual connections engenders its own unique vocabulary, with expressions like, "spiritual connections, spiritual unions, mega-connections, or connection relationships."

Fueled by the bogus teaching and terms used in the circles of those who practice "demonic deliverance" for Christians, Don Barnett's followers live in perpetual denial and harden their conscience to what is evil. If there is a negative consequence for espousing spiritual connections, they simply point their finger at the devil, and call it a "demonic manifestation."

Jude 1:3-4, 16-23

ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness

following after their own lusts

In the last time there shall be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts

keep yourselves in the love of God

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2 Peter 2:1-2 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned. (NAS)
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James 3:12-18 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine figs? Neither can a salt spring furnish fresh water. Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity). And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God's will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]. The Amplified New Testament, (La Habra CA: The Lockman Foundation) 1999.
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Galatians 5:19-24 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (NAS)
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Ephesians 5:5-17 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things that are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when the light exposes them, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (NAS)
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Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (NAS)

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes. Love's hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].

If the practice of spiritual connections was truly of God and if it was pure according to the scriptures, it would have stood the test of time. Unlike God's love, which he demonstrated by giving His son Jesus as a sacrifice for sin, spiritual connections propagated sin and left a wake of tragic circumstances and broken lives.

Don Barnett promoted spiritual connections as the most powerful move of the Holy Spirit that had ever happened. He claimed it would change the lives of those who experienced it and it would be a testimony to Christians across the world. His exaggerations included an idle boast that spiritual connections would spearhead a great revival in these last days. This has not happened—nor will it ever.

This deception began toward the end of 1984 and into the beginning of 1985. In another 1 ½ years, two decades will have passed, and Don Barnett is an old man living in a world of pseudo-spiritual memories of days gone by. His actions prove him to be unrepentant of this perversion of the grace of God. My prayer is that he will repent before dementia or Alzheimer's disease takes his mind, and he passes into eternal darkness away from God.

In 2001 I spoke to several people who had recently attended COA. They reported there continues to be an increase in divorces and inappropriate behavior amongst its members (e.g. open kissing between two people of the opposite sex, whether they are married to the person or not, dancing together while held in close embraces and staring romantically into the eyes of the dance partner, etc.). This place should not be called the Church of Agape because it is a slap in the face of God the Father, and His undefiled Son Jesus Christ.

True agape love from God is clearly seen in those who walk in obedience to His commandments. The agape that has its origin in God the Father is fadeless; it hopes under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

CCBTC no longer exists, having divided over the issue of spiritual connections and the perverted leadership of Don Barnett. There is a small congregation of former Chapel members and others who meet in one of the old CCBTC facilities. This group has apparently given up the public practice of spiritual connections (unlike Don Barnett).

Spiritual connections is not God's true agape love; it is the exact opposite of the agape love shown to us through Jesus Christ, which has endured for over 2000 years!

Love is ever ready to believe the best of every person.

Spiritual connection 'love' is limited to the person or persons with whom one has had the same experience. Those who believe in and still continue to practice spiritual connections do not think the "best of every person" that has denounced what they do as sinful deception. They get extremely upset and agitated when this topic is discussed. They tenaciously adhere to the idea that spiritual connections is some sort of "great move of God" and obediently follow Don Barnett as if he were Moses himself!

There are some former members of CCBTC who truly have the agape love of God, but even some of these confuse it with spiritual connection love. This study is also intended to help such individuals and put the love of God into the perspective of the scriptures. The truth will set you free and it will not equate true agape with some experiences a person had with their former spiritual connection(s).

I was involved with spiritual connections at one time and entered into its temptation to yield to the desires of the sensual flesh. I have since repented of the sin I was involved in, I have acknowledged the deception of this teaching, I have studied my Bible extensively and stand firm in my conviction that spiritual connections are not scriptural, and I have striven to honor God by practicing His agape love according to the principles taught in the God's inspired word.

How True Agape Love Manifests Itself

It is important for those who have come out of the darkness of spiritual connections to understand the ways in which God's true agape love manifests itself. We have proven that agape love involves changing a person's character (as is demonstrated in the qualities listed in First Corinthians chapter thirteen).

True agape love is NOT an instantaneous feeling that you receive for someone else, which then causes you to love him or her unconditionally. God's love will not inspire you with a desire to spend inordinate amounts of time with someone other than your spouse.

Below are a variety of scriptures that use the Greek word "agape" or its derivatives to demonstrate how God's agape love is revealed. In these examples, God's agape love has NO agreement with the idolatrous definition of spiritual connection love:

Agape involves loving our enemies, not just one's spiritual connection.

Matthew 5:43-48
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love (agape) your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love (agape) your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love (agape) those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (NAS)

Agape involves repenting of material idols and caring for the needy.

Matthew 19:19-21
"Honor your father and mother; and you shall love (agape) your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?" Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." (NAS)

Agape love that is felt for someone involves confronting him or her with the truth.

Mark 10:21-23

And looking at him, Jesus felt a love (agape) for him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But at these words his face fell, and he went away grieved, for he was one who owned much property. And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, "How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!" (NAS)

NOTE: Notice the young man's reaction to the agape love Jesus felt for him. Does his reaction sound like spiritual connection reactions?

We must agape God with all our heart and our neighbor as ourselves.

Mark 12:29-33

Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love (agape) the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love (agape) your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." And the scribe said to Him, "Right, Teacher, you have truly stated that He is One; and there is no one else besides Him; and to love (agape) Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love (agape) one's neighbor as himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." (NAS)

NOTE: The Greek word used here for neighbor, plesion, is described by Strong's Dictionary as "a neighbor, i.e. fellow (as man, countryman, Christian or friend)." This is a much broader application than the limited scope of the spiritual connection 'love.'

Agape involves loving those who hate you.

Luke 6:27, 32

"But I say to you who hear, love (agape) your enemies, do good to those who hate you…And if you love (agape) those who love (agape) you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love (agape) those who love (agape) them." (NAS)

NOTE: How much different this concept is than spiritual connections. Connection love was applied to those who would reciprocate, but God's true agape love helps believers to love even those who hate them. Even sinners have a form of their own 'agape' love that is similar to spiritual connections—loving those who return the love.

Agape is love for a nation of God's people.

Luke 7:2-5

And a certain centurion's slave, who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die. And when he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders asking Him to come and save the life of his slave. And when they had come to Jesus, they earnestly entreated Him, saying, "He is worthy for You to grant this to him; for he loves (agape) our nation, and it was he who built us our synagogue." (NAS)

NOTE: The centurion, a Gentile believer had 'agape' for the nation of Israel. He extended true agape to God's people by his willingness to sacrifice his wages to build them a synagogue. Spiritual connection 'love' did not generate sacrificial love by members of CCBTC. During connections CCBTC members would not spend themselves and their possessions for the worldwide body of Christ, but mainly their spiritual connection!

True agape increases based upon the amount of debt that has been forgiven. Agape is a response to God and Jesus when a person's sin has been forgiven.

Luke 7:41-48
"A certain moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love (agape) him more?" Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." And He said to him, "You have judged correctly." And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved (agape) much; but he who is forgiven little, loves (agape) little." And He said to her, "Your sins have been forgiven." (NAS)

NOTE: In this parable, Jesus shows that agape love is increased for both God and man when there is a greater debt forgiven. The woman who washed Jesus' feet, and anointed his head with oil did so because her sins, which were many, had been forgiven. She did not have a 'spiritual connection' with Jesus as defined by the teaching at CCBTC.

Agape is not an "instantaneous and overwhelming" feeling of unconditional love that a person experiences for another Christian because of their "spiritual connection" to one another. True agape for Jesus is a response of gratitude for his forgiveness.

God showed agape for the world by giving His son Jesus to die.

John 3:16
"For God so loved (agape) the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (NAS)

NOTE: The response to God's agape love for us is to believe in His son Jesus, not to develop extra-marital connections with another person.

Men have the capacity to agape darkness and are thus judged by God.

John 3:17-19

"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved (agape) the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. (NAS)

NOTE: The application of men loving darkness with regards to spiritual connections is obvious; the deeds done with this sort of agape were evil (e.g. adultery, infidelity, fornication, broken homes and lives, etc.). Spiritual connections can be agape love, but IT IS NOT GOD'S AGAPE LOVE!. We must judge it by its fruits.

True agape is an affectionate regard for Jesus based on a person's relationship with the Father (not their spiritual connection).

John 8:42

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love (agape) Me; for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. (NAS)

Jesus had agape for many people, not just His "spiritual connections".

John 11:5
Now Jesus loved (agape) Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. (NAS)

NOTE: Jesus had agape for Lazarus even when he was dead! How does this compare with the definition of spiritual connection love?

Jesus' showed agape to the very end of his life, which he sacrificed for us.

John 13:1
Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved (agape) His own who were in the world, He loved (agape) them to the end. (NAS)

One of Jesus' disciples had agape for him, and unlike spiritual connections, he was of the same sex!

John 13:23

There was reclining on Jesus' breast one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved (agape). (NAS)

NOTE: Why did spiritual connections occur between men and women in approximately 95% of the cases? Why do spiritual connections, as practiced from the beginning until now, always result in Don Barnett being with different female connections?

Did you ever see a man who had agape love for Don Barnett and showed it by reclining on his breast? No! In fact, what happened in most spiritual connections are women reclined in the arms of men other than their own husbands!

Jesus commanded us to agape one another so that the world will know we are his disciples by our agape for one another.

John 13:34-35

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love (agape) one another, even as I have loved (agape) you, that you also love (agape) one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love (agape) for one another." (NAS)

NOTE: We are to agape one another in the same manner that Jesus showed agape for us, and we NEVER see Jesus off spending time with someone else's wife! Did the world know that CCBTC and its members were Jesus' disciples by their spiritual connection agape love? No! This spiritual connection agape was darkness and it resulted in a disgraceful testimony to the world and to the Christian church.

True agape is demonstrated when we keep Jesus' words and commandments.

John 14:15 If

you love (agape) Me, you will keep My commandments." (NAS)

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John 14:21 "He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves (agape) Me; and he who loves (agape) Me shall be loved (agape) by My Father, and I will love (agape) him, and will disclose Myself to him." (NAS)

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John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves (agape) Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love (agape) him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him. He who does not love (agape) Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me." (NAS)

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John 15:9-10 "Just as the Father has loved (agape) Me, I have also loved (agape) you; abide in My love (agape). If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love (agape); just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love (agape)." (NAS)

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I John 5:2 By this we know that we love (agape) the children of God, when we love (agape) God and observe His commandments. (NAS)

We show agape love the same way Jesus showed agape love to us. Agape involves sacrificing our lives to serve one another.

John 15:12-14
"This is My commandment, that you love (agape) one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love (agape) has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends, if you do what I command you." (NAS)

NOTE: Spiritual connections was not God's agape love, because it did not produce in people obedience to Jesus' commands, nor did it produce a self-sacrificial love for one's "friends" (plural). Rather, spiritual connections produced affection for the individual who reciprocated it. Spiritual connection agape is a "gimme-gimme" kind of affection.

God's agape demonstrates to the world that Jesus has been sent, and ultimately this can also be seen when the body of Christ is collectively made one in him.

John 17:23
"I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved (agape) them as You have loved (agape) Me. (NKJ)

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True agape produces in us a family-type love for one another, much different than the self-gratifying individual connection love.

John 19:26-27
When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved (agape) standing nearby, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her into his own household. (NAS)

True agape is demonstrated by tending God's sheep.

John 21:15-16

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agape) Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love (agape) You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agape) Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love (agape) You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." (NKJV)

God will use those who have true agape for Him for good, and not for evil.

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love (agape) God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (NAS)

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Godly agape does not covet, commit adultery, etc. and it does no wrong to one's neighbor; agape fulfills the law of God.

Romans 13:8-10

Owe nothing to anyone except to love (agape) one another; for he who loves (agape) his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, "You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "you shall love (agape) your neighbor as yourself." Love (agape) does no wrong to a neighbor; love (agape) therefore is the fulfillment of the law. (NAS)

NOTE: Spiritual connection agape was not godly, because those involved in connection relationships coveted other people's spouse and did wrong to their marriages. Spiritual connection relationships were selfish, because they did not put the well-being of their neighbor first in priority.

Those who experience God's agape love give freely and cheerfully from their heart to others.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves (agape) a cheerful giver. (NAS)

Paul demonstrated agape for the Corinthian church by reproving them for their selfish behavior; true agape exposes those who are Satan's deceitful workers, and exposes them as angels (messengers) of darkness disguised as angels of light.

2 Corinthians 11:8-15

I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to serve you; and when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for when the brethren came from Macedonia, they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so. As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. Why? Because I do not love (agape) you? God knows I do! But what I am doing, I will continue to do, that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their deeds. (NAS)

2 Corinthians 12:14-15

Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. And I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love (agape) you the more, am I to be loved (agape) the less? (NAS)

True agape does not indulge in the sinful nature but works as we serve one another.

Galatians 5:13-21

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love (agape). The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love (agape) your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (NIV)

Ephesians 5:25-29, 33

Husbands, love (agape) your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love (agape) their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves (agape) his own wife loves (agape) himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church…Nevertheless let each individual among you also love (agape) his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respect her husband. (NAS)

NOTE: These verses teach us clearly that husbands are to agape their wives like Jesus has agape for his church. A husband should never be off spending time with another woman as his spiritual connection. His obligation is to show agape love (an affectionate regard and benevolence) to his wife by nourishing and cherishing her. He is NOT to be off playing spiritual connection with some other Christian sister.

A husband must have the same agape for HIS WIFE that he has for his own flesh. Likewise, the wife should respect her husband and not spend her time with another man who is her spiritual connection. Don Barnett's marriage dissolved and he was the epitome of a husband that fed his own flesh while neglecting his wife.

Agape is to be an incorruptible love.

Ephesians 6:24

Grace be with all those who love (agape) our Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible. (NAS)

NOTE: Spiritual connection teaching corrupted the purity of agape (affection) for Jesus. The Greek word for "incorruptible" means "with unending existence, genuineness, sincerity, and in an undecaying manner (in essence or continuance.)"

God's agape is pure and requires us to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other.

Colossians 3:12-13 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved (agape), put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. (NAS)

Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love (agape) your wives, and do not be embittered against them. (NAS)

NOTE: If the members of CCBTC had been given the proper tools to learn about marriages relationships, perhaps the doctrine of spiritual connections would never have been promoted. However, Don Barnett forbid most teaching on the family from others in the body of Christ (like 'Focus on the Family') to be displayed, sold, or taught in the church.

Thus many marriages languished in communication, affection, and understanding. Their lack made them a prime target for the deception of spiritual connections. Spiritual connections provided them with an extra-marital relationship(s) that would temporarily furnish them with whatever was lacking in their own marriages.

Our agape love is intended for ALL OF THE BRETHREN.

1 Thessalonians 4:7-12

For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. Consequently, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you. Now as to the love (agape) of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love (agape) one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. (NAS)

NOTE: Most of the people involved with spiritual connections limited their affection to just a few individuals. They claimed that these connection relationships produced deep and lasting works in their hearts, yet they lacked a mutual agape for ALL of the brethren!

God called us for the purpose of purity and sanctification, and limiting agape to a select few people causes us to behave improperly toward outsiders (those outside our select group of spiritual connections)

True agape loves righteousness and hates lawlessness.

Hebrews 1:9
"Thou hast loved (agape) righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy companions." (NAS)

God's agape towards us involves His chastening; without enduring His chastening, we become illegitimate and not sons of God.

Hebrews 12:5-8

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves (agape) He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. (NKJ)

NOTE: Don Barnett did not teach spiritual connection agape as a tool for God's chastening. God chastened many individuals who yielded to the temptations and sinned through the practice of spiritual connections, but this is merely reaping what they sowed.

Some who came out of the shipwreck CCBTC and COA have endured God's chastening, repented, and experienced restoration and healing. Others who continue in spiritual connections have stiff-armed God's scourging and have—or are becoming—illegitimate.

True agape involves persevering under trial and temptation.

James 1:12-16

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love (agape) Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. (NAS)

NOTE: Don Barnett taught that spiritual connections were the simultaneous experience of two human spirits being joined together in a supernatural "spiritual union." What he failed to teach is that those who truly agape God don't get this love instantaneously!!

In fact, to agape God means to resist temptation and the lusts of the flesh, and persevere in dong so! Thus, to truly agape God, Christ, and his church requires commitment, death to self, and hard work.

True agape does not make distinctions; it is not limited to isolated individual relationships; true agape cares for the practical needs of the poor and helpless.

James 2:4-9

Have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called? If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law, according to the Scripture, "You shall love (agape) your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. (NAS)

I John 3:10-12, 14-19

By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love (agape) his brother. For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love (agape) one another; not as Cain, who was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous…We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love (agape) the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. We know love (agape) by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love (agape) of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love (agape) with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We shall know by this that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before Him. (NAS)

NOTE: A spiritual connection has not produced the kind of love in people that causes them to meet the essential and practical needs of those who are needy in the church.

True agape involves loving God and Jesus even though we cannot see them. Our agape for the invisible God is demonstrated in our sacrificial love for the brethren by helping them.

1 Peter 1:6-9
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love (agape) Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. (NAS)

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I John 4:19-21 We love (agape), because He first loved us. If someone says, "I love (agape) God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love (agape) his brother whom he has seen, cannot love (agape) God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. (NAS)

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I John 4:7-12 Beloved, let us love (agape) one another, for love (agape) is from God; and everyone who loves (agape) is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love (agape) does not know God, for God is love (agape). By this the love (agape) of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love (agape), not that we loved (agape) God, but that He loved (agape) us and sent His Son {to be} the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved (agape) us, we also ought to love (agape) one another. No one has beheld God at any time; if we love (agape) one another, God abides in us, and His love (agape) is perfected in us. (NAS)

NOTE: It was taught at CCBTC that a person could agape Jesus by staring into their connection's eyes and loving Him with a deep affection. We do not find this type of agape in association with godly love. Spiritual connections were a hypnotic and deceptive type of 'agape' (i.e. affectionate regard).

A spiritual connection is an agape for darkness and the wages of unrighteousness! We must love in word and deed to have God's true agape perfected in us. We only have His agape love because God first loved us, and gave Jesus as a propitiation for our sins.

Fervent and godly agape for the brethren comes from obedience to the truth of scripture, having purified the soul.

1 Peter 1:22

Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love (agape) brethren, fervently love (agape) one another from the heart. (NAS)

True agape for the brotherhood should not be used as a covering for evil.

1 Peter 2:16-17

Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all men; love (agape) the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. (NAS)

NOTE: Spiritual connections became a covering for promiscuity, illicit romance, and evil activity. There was no real fear of God among the people who practiced these things. They did not honor all men, especially the marriages in the church.

The one who truly has agape for his brother walks in the light and will not be a cause for stumbling.

I John 2:10, 15

The one who loves (agape) his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him…Do not love (agape) the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves (agape) the world, the love (agape) of the Father is not in him. (NAS)

True agape is practiced in God's eternal truth of scripture for all of His children.

II John 1:1-2

The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love (agape) in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever. (NAS)

True agape does not love one's own life; it lays it down for the sake of the gospel.

Revelation 12:11

"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love (agape) their life even to death." (NAS)

Warnings of Perverse Deception in the Church

The scripture is replete with warnings about sexual temptation, immorality, promiscuity, fornication and adultery. CCBTC failed to heed these warnings. In addition, some of those involved in same sex spiritual connections are, to this very day, living in open homosexuality because spiritual connection teaching opened them up to deception and temptation.

Here are a few warnings regarding immorality and the behavior that leads to it.

Proverbs 30:20

This is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth, and says, "I have done no wrong." (NAS)

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Mark 7:20-23 And He was saying, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man." (NAS)

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Romans 13:13-14 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (NAS)

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2 Corinthians 12:21 I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced. (NAS)

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1 Peter 4:1-4 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you. (NAS)

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2 Peter 2:1-2 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned. (NAS)

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1 Corinthians 5:1-2 It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father's wife. And you have become arrogant, and have not mourned instead, in order that the one who had done this deed might be removed from your midst. (NAS)

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1 Corinthians 6:13-20 Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food; but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord is for the body. Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? May it never be! Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a harlot is one body with her For He says, "The two will become one flesh." But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. (NAS)

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Colossians 3:5-6 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is on account of these things that the wrath of God will come. (NAS)

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1 Thessalonians 4:3-9 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. Consequently, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you. Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. (NAS)

Marriage Is To Be Held in a Position of Honor by All

Marriage is the most honorable relationship we see between two human beings in scripture. God tells us to forsake family and worldly friends if needed for Christ, but NEVER our spouse. God tells a man to "cleave" (cling) to his own wife, not "release" her to spend time with her male spiritual connection.

If a person reads the scriptures in this study, and is not willing to reconsider their position on spiritual connections as being anything but deception and fleshly gratification, they are in serious trouble. God tells His children not to put themselves in harm's way. We are to flee fornication. We are to avoid the very appearance of evil.

The church of Jesus Christ with its many members is to hold marriages as "honored." They should fear and tremble before the Almighty before selfishly pursuing a spiritual connection relationship with someone else's spouse. They should renounce spiritual connections altogether, repent of their involvement in it, and walk according to the commands of scripture.

Genesis 2:23-25

And the man said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of Man." For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed. (NAS)

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Matthew 19:3-6 And some Pharisees came to Him, testing Him, and saying, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause at all?" And He answered and said, "Have you not read, that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh'? Consequently they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." (NAS)

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Ephesians 5:31-33 For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each individual among you also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respect her husband. (NAS)

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1 Timothy 4:1-3 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. (NAS)

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Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. (NAS)

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Proverbs 12:2-5 A good man will obtain favor from the LORD, but He will condemn a man who devises evil. A man will not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will not be moved. An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames him is as rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. (NAS)

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Proverbs 31:10-12 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. (NAS)

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Deuteronomy 24:5 "When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out with the army, nor be charged with any duty; he shall be free at home one year and shall give happiness to his wife whom he has taken." (NAS)

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Proverbs 31:25-30 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. (NAS)

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Romans 7:2 For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. (NAS)

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1 Corinthians 7:1-5 Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman. But because of immoralities, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again lest Satan tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (NAS)

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1 Corinthians 7:10 But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband. (NAS)

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1 Corinthians 7:33-35 But one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife…but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is seemly, and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord. (NAS)

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Ephesians 5:22-25 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her. (NAS)

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1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. (NAS)

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What About the Fruit of Spiritual Connections?

The fruits produced through spiritual connections were horrific. Hundreds of marriages ended in divorce (I've heard estimates of between 300 and 600). There were suicides, people institutionalized from the trauma of the stress, children confused and stumbled seeing mommy in the arms of someone other than daddy (and visa versa). These children today (many of them) are backslidden from God as a result of the selfish and inappropriate behavior spiritual connection relationships led to.

A man who had a history of sexual problems was leading CCBTC. The elders were guilty of not exposing his sin and leading the church in a pure and holy manner. Many of the elders participated in sexual promiscuity with their spiritual connections.

A large church of nearly 2500 adults was divided and pulled apart at the seam by spiritual connections and its sordid past. Today, the ex-members of this church are at odds with one another. Don Barnett continues in willful deception to gratify his perverted appetite and cravings for the lust of the flesh. He does this using the 'Church of Agape' as his platform.

The world observed CCBTC's activities in disgust and acknowledged it was complete hypocrisy. The world did not recognize that CCBTC and its members were Jesus' disciples by their "agape" love one toward another.

Instead, what they read about in the newspapers or watched on television was the epic destruction of many lives through a nonsensical approach to God's agape love. They saw so-called Christians ignoring the plain warning signals that even someone in the world would know were there.

1 Peter 2:11-12

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. (NKJ)

CCBTC's spiritual connections produced rotten fruit. It put people in a position to open themselves up to sexual temptation, and at the very least, emotional infidelity towards their spouses.

It is my prayer that God speaks to the ex-members of CCBTC and the Church of Agape (COA) through His written word, the scriptures. I pray that they see spiritual connections for what it really is: an affection for the lusts of the flesh, a counterfeit of the real agape they should have for one another and God, and a mockery of their testimony to the world and their brethren in the worldwide body of Christ.

Matthew 7:12-27

"Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it.

"For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.

"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?

"Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit.

"A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.

"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

"So then, you will know them by their fruits.

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.

"Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'

"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock.

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock.

"And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand.

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall." (NAS)

The Testimonies of Ex-Chapelites

To substantiate the content of the study and expose, the following testimonies from those church members that have been a part of CCBTC or the COA, and have successfully broken ties with Don Barnett, their testimonies are validation of my position.

These excerpts are painful to read, and they reveal the tragic consequences of pastoral abuse. To them I offer my heartfelt prayers to God our Father. May He comfort you in your pain, and restore you beside the still waters of His truth. The quotes are taken from an Internet message board, and are public domain. Grammar and spell check corrections are the only alterations.

Freedom Lover's Testimony

I have refrained from saying this for some time, even during the recent discussions, but the latest embargo imposed by Don, perfectly illustrates what I believe to be the true issue in all of this.

Two quotes from below:

"Pastor doesn't think its a good idea for us to come here so in obedience to my pastor, I bid you all farewell…"

"Don did not categorically forbid people from participating on the board although he discouraged it...."

This type of control is a major reason why many of us do not follow DB anymore. Let me say this plainly—we are not immature children who need to be supervised in every detail of our lives. We are not mindless people who can't assess the facts and think for ourselves. We are no longer "new converts" who are incapable of recognizing what is true and what is false.

Let Don proclaim that it's all about what happened back in 1988. Let Don blame the elders. Let Don claim it's because we did not accept his repentance. Don's defensiveness and accusations are nothing more than a smokescreen.

The real issue is one and the same as it has always been. DB seeks to control the lives of the people in his church, and will do anything necessary to maintain that control. Nothing has changed. Sure, he claims he repented in 1988. But did he repent of lying? Of manipulating? Of over-controlling? Did he repent of holding people in his church rather than sending them out into ministry?

Did he try to control the information flow? Did he make every effort to ensure that people got his message, but no outside input that could ever contradict him, or even worse, expose his cover-ups? Has Don repented of any of this?

I have no animosity against the good brothers and sisters that attend COA. However, I do allege that it is wrong for Don to continue in his actions of control, placing himself in an exalted position over people's lives that is no where justified in scripture. It is not good for people to sacrifice their freedom, freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom to grow, because one man has convinced them that he must be followed and obeyed in all things.

Robbin

I would like to share some insights I have gained from growing up with my favorite breed of dog…the collie.

I have had the distinct pleasure of growing up with several collies throughout the years. The collie personality and my personality just seemed to be so much alike. So needless to say, I could easily understand my dogs, and they always chose me as their master…in their hearts they were MY dogs.

They were all such faithful companions. They were with me when I would go exploring. They would sit quietly by my side while I poured out some heartbreak. They would patiently allow me to hug their necks and cry into their ruffs.
Collies LOVE life and will actually smile when they are happy, and collies are most always happy!

Tales of the collie's protectiveness are legendary. They are especially protective of children. I have personally witnessed these actions more than once while growing up.

Collies will NOT harm smaller animals. They are protectors, not predators. Cats, chickens, ducks, any small animals are watched and protected by collies.

Collies love children. When my daughter was about 4 years old I watched her playing tug of war with our collie. He never touched her hands with his mouth and he never pulled her off her feet…he was SO careful with her.

My dad always told me that you had to be careful how you discipline a collie because they have such tender souls they can be ruined.

To discipline a collie about all you have to do is speak sternly and point and they know they are in trouble, ears, head and tale droop and they leave the "scene of the crime".

About 6 years ago a couple from COA offered their collie to me. They had gotten her from the breeder but they could never get her to warm up to them. It did not take me long to recognize that this collie had been abused prior to this couple getting her.

This poor girl hid away most of the time. When she would venture out for affection she would duck the hand fearful of being struck. Just picking up the garden hose sent her into hiding. I soon figured out that her abuse entailed a hose and quite probably relentless spraying.

With tender coaxing and LOTS of patience I have been able to bring her out of her shell and help her gain confidence in how I will treat her. She no longer runs from the hose or the running water.

She will smile when I am loving her…and she seems starved for affection at times and loves to be loved! She is the neighborhood watchdog, but make a quick movement around her and she runs and hides.

She is not, and never will be a normal collie. She has been ruined. Here are some of the lessons I have learned.

As Christians we are happy…most of the time.

If we could view the spirit realm we would learn that we are most likely also spiritually heroic.

We find ourselves moved by compassion by those who are in need.

We are in love with the Master.

It takes very little rebuke to bring us in line with Him, as our hearts are to obey Him.
As CCBTC Christians we were taught that we would be the warrior bride. We would be the manchild…fully armored and ready to battle the enemy. Spiritually tough.

We were taught that we were to die to self and not "get hurt". If we hurt it only proved we were not dead to self (shame on us). We were taught that if we didn't take care of those hurts they would become as oily rags in the furnace room.

The tenderness of the human soul was grossly overlooked at CCBTC and on to COA.
WE are tender souls. That tenderness was crushed and abused by what we experienced and were taught at CCBTC/COA. When that tender soul is abused…it can be and often is ruined.

Many of us watched others, or experienced ourselves being mistreated, and all the while we couldn't say anything, as this would be considered rebellion. Thus causing even deeper hidden injuries to our tender souls. Then we were told that being treated like this was proper and those doing it were with in their rights as leaders to do so.

Some of us have been unable to venture out into the church world again. We "hide out" on Sundays. We need lots of coaxing to venture out from our safe havens.

Damage continues when told we are un-persuadable, full of un-forgiveness and continuing to dwell in the past. Yet for those who have been damaged…the past is ways present. Care needs to be taken with us, not more beatings.

To blame us for being hurt is like blaming my collie for receiving injury from her abuser.
Fortunately, unlike my sweet collie girl, we can, do and will receive healing and be made whole. But until that happens, like it or not, we are changed…and not normal.

Thankfully, MY Jesus came to set the captive free! To mend the broken hearted! To bind up the wounds!

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)
Robbin

Amazed

Robbin,
Thank you so much for sharing that.

I was just talking to someone earlier today about this very thing. Why am I like this, why do I feel this way. Why do I react the way I do. It hurts when you KNOW you're not normal. When you cower or lash out and you never even wanted to end up like that. When you have seen and experienced legitimate mistreatment but all the voices are shouting, it's YOU, IT'S YOU!!! It's all your fault you've been abused.

I think people who go thru abuse are often harder on themselves than they are on the people who have been the abusers. The internal battles can rage at times. I know mine do.

It seems that once a person is out of an abusive situation, like the collie illustration, they become VERY sensitive. It takes A LOT to regain trust and when people spend time pointing out that you are touchy, too sensitive, rebellious blah, blah, blah, but can't see the need for offering safety and support to a very bruised and battered soul, it can cause an adverse reaction that would seemingly support their belief that it really is ALL you. Then you really feel helpless and frustrated.

I take so much comfort in knowing that there is freedom from this kind of torment; that I have actually experienced this freedom to an extent.

You have a real talent for illustrating your point thru your stories. Thank you again for sharing and for reaching out to me in earlier posts...I don't know if I have always responded...it can be hard to keep up around here but I have always been encouraged by your replies to me.
God bless you and I'll continue to pray for you.

Matt 12:20 A bruised reed he shall not break, and smoking flax he shall not quench…

Selah…think about and reflect on it J. God bless you.

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