Customer Reviews

The Bait of Satan : Your Response Determines Your Future

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Having now read "Bait" for the third time in three years, I understand it better than before, and would like to comment on it.

John Bevere indeed has written a very powerful, very insightful book, one which claims to be a prophetic word to the church. However, it is a book with flaws, and for some readers, potentially fatal flaws.

Bevere expounds powerfully on the nature of betrayal and offense, using foremost the Biblical examples of Joseph's betrayal by his brothers, and David's persecution by Saul. Here he does an excellent job, and I highly recommend this section for anyone who has experienced abuse from loved ones or authority figures.

However, it is afterward, when the book turns to the topic of "Spiritual Vagabonds", that serious problems arise. Bevere shows so very well that those who are stumbled by a church or ministry often leave embittered and become spiritual wanderers, never putting down roots, never bearing fruit. This point is all too true and a very timely issue in today's church, and it needs all the attention it can get. But the central problem of this book is that the reader comes away from this section with a strong sense that it is always incumbent upon the one who is hurt or offended to be fully reconciled to the offender.

Not nearly enough effort was spent by Bevere mitigating the hurt or offended person's responsibility toward those who remain unrepentantly abusive. In every case we must fully purge our hearts of unforgiveness and all "overflow of bitterness", and we must love our enemies with God's love, just as the scriptures command, but we CANNOT be manifestly reconciled to those who continue in sin. There are degrees of possible reconciliation, depending on the willingness of people to deal with issues. Our responsibility is simply, "if possible, as much as it depends on you, be at peace with all men". And sometimes to "shake the dust off your feet and let your peace return to you" is all that is actually possible.

This simple balanced and Biblical truth is lacking in "Bait", and it is very possible for the reader to come away feeling unjustly condemned. Bevere does give a bit more balance later on, so that in taking the book as a whole, especially the third time through, it ends up doing somewhat better in this regard, but nonetheless the balance comes late and is insufficiently drawn, and its lack is deeply disturbing.

As another reviewer here alluded, extrapolating Bevere's stress on unqualified reconciliation and submission to flawed authority raises a very compelling ecclesial question. For if his doctrine is true then the Body of Christ's integration into a single organization headed by Rome was, though flawed, a natural progression sanctioned by God. If there are no issues of doctrine or practice serious enough to justify leaving, if positional authority always must be respected despite serious flaws and abuses, then Bevere really is implicitly arguing for the return of all branches of Christianity to the Roman fold. Yet I doubt that we will be seeing Mr. Bevere at Sunday Mass.

The implications here are enormous. In my estimation, Bevere needs to devote much more time to the subject of the legitimate ground for leaving authority. Otherwise his prophetic word to the church has veered into authoritarian bondage. We know from Scripture that the letter of the law brings death.

Bevere cites Samuel's continued submission to the compromised Eli as grounds for his teaching. He chose the right book, for the overriding theme of 1 Samuel is time and again shown to be dealing with unjust authority. But in that book's by-far most important example, even while never attacking Saul's person or position, David FLEES Saul for dear life! Though for years he goes through hell on earth, David remains in God's favor and protection. Now why doesn't Bevere deal with that most eminent fact? Because it doesn't agree with his basic premise, that we should always "go out with joy"? David certainly didn't. This shows the danger of cherry-picking scripture to prove an unbalanced point.

The issue that must be addressed here, and that Bevere does not address, is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Are there no modern-day Davids who have come up against Saul in ecclesial authority? Why aren't such ones justified in following David's example by leaving? And why weren't groups of Christians such as the Eastern Orthodox or Protestants justified in fleeing Rome's abuses? Were Paul and Barnabus wrong to go their separate ways? Assuredly the manner of their separation was unfortunate, but the issue that divided them was important. Then as now, the important thing is to forgive, let go of bitterness, and move on in peace. Indeed, it is the Lord's mercy that included this thorny episode in the Bible, so that we would be prepared for such things in the real world.

I need to emphasis that "Bait" truly is an excellent book in many ways. I have spent my time with these criticisms because they are crucial. If Bevere would develop more balance on his subject, he indeed would have a classic treatise on offense.

I'm not saying we're justified in running off at any little offense. Clearly, we're not. That would be immaturity if not licentiousness. Often the Lord wants us to "tough out" difficult circumstances - but usually there are limits, and there can be a time for leaving. I am merely making the case for a lot more nuance and balance than Bevere has provided. Let's get our biases out of the way, so we can hear the Holy Spirit's leading clearly. The same Holy Spirit that can say "Stay" can say "Go".

This is a 7/09 edit of my original review, and if I could change my rating I would give this book a flat 3, with a strong warning against unjustified condemnation. Tragically, those harmed by bad authority are often vulnerable to unbalanced teaching that actually extends the abuse. It is crucial that such a one clear his conscience, forgive, and reaffirm the Lord's goodness and presence in his life. Then he can put the condemnation down, restore his peace, and press forward to apprehend all for which he has been apprehended by Christ. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free; do not submit again to a yoke of bondage." His good plans for you have not changed (Jer 29.11-14). Seize them!

To remain in God's Will which is His Protection and Blessings upon our life; we must understand THE BAIT OF SATAN, his traps, tricks, and tactics. His bait includes every offense that we do not release, let it go, let it drop, forgive and forget. This pulls us out of the Will of God. Satan knows how easy it is for mankind to hold on to grudges. He will do everything in his power to remind us of all the injustices done to us, real or imaginary. He knows fully well that when we allow an offense to remain in our hearts, it allows him room to move in. When we become offended we are trapped and don't even know it. Unforgiveness is costly. It puts me in prison, takes away the protection of God, and blocks the power of God in my life. It is true that the world needs more love. However the world will only experience more love when the world experiences more forgiveness. Every book that John Bevere writes will be a blessing to all who read it and apply its principles to their lives.

John Bevere tackles a deep problem throughout the Body of Christ in "The Bait of Satan". This book will help any church or individual grow and face a major problem of unforgiveness and offenses. Don't let offense become a fence in your life and trap you in. Get this book! It is required reading for our church membership class and it will save you and your local body a lot of grief (his other books are great too).

In the past twelve months I have studied this book twice in two different classes. We used the study guide in the second class. This is a MUST study for Christians of every maturity level. In the last days Many will be offended, inside of the church. We cannot afford to allow Satan to hinder us by keeping us bound by offence and bitterness and this book holds the keys to the freedom we all desire in Christ. If I could, I would put a Bible in one hand of a new Christian and this book in the other hand.

This is a book that exposes an effective device of Satan -- a device that can put walls between you and God, and block your prayers. Yes, the Bible says this can and will happen. By reading this book, you will learn how to recognize this device, and how to defend against it. My home study (cell) group recently completed both the book and study guide. The subject matter -- and John Bevere's honest and direct treatment of our Lord's teachings on forgiving others AND OURSELVES, as well as avoiding offense -- mended lives in our group of about 15. Many were healed of emotional wounds, and released from anger and bitterness. Broken relationships were reconciled. We saw walls come down in two churches through renewed fellowship because of truths revealed in this book. Our pastor read the book and not only endorsed it but preached a sermon on its contents. This book is essential reading for every serious Christian. It will get you into the Bible and show you truths you may have overlooked. Most important, it can set you on a path toward improved relationships with your spouse, your family, and your friends -- and a closer relationship with the Lord! 5 stars and two thumbs up!

I loved this book so much I purchased the curriculum. This book teaches that unforgiveness springs forth from being offended at any number of things, but it does NOT teach that we can not be indignant of actions, words, or authorities that go against the Word of the Lord. Neither does the book teach that we are to blindly accept those in authority over us. There's a difference between being offended and holy indignation.

Here's where I WAS: "I am smarter than you, stronger in character than you, and farther in my Christian walk than you are. What you say bears no relevance because I have already marked those in whom I place my earthly trust, and you are not one of them." What a dangerous place to be!

Here is where I AM NOW: We all say things and do things that are not in complete obedience to God, even if our walk with Him has been long and fruitful. At the very least, we might commit small sins of pride or vanity, regarding ourselves as indignant in a holy way, but we are really self-righteously indignant. Because of the teaching in this book, I have come to recognize that I can not affect how others behave, but I can affect how I react. I can CHOOSE to take the bait or I can CHOOSE to forgive, to learn, and to move on.

I'm such a different person now - like night and day. I had no idea that my being offended at so many little things was standing in the way of achieving my full potential as a Christian. Now I do.

For those who feel condemned when reading this book. Don't. Conviction in your heart isn't condemnation, for there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. Let the Holy Spirit minister to you! Be encouraged that Jesus cares enough to get involved with your reading, your learning, and your interest in removing the still uncircumcised calluses of your heart. I was out of my comfort zone for some time before diving into the Word in conjunction with going through this curriculum yielded revelation about myself and my character that I resisted knowing. I have been delivered!

In another CD teaching, a Deacon Dr. Bob McDonald said, "The size of your ego is exactly equal to the distance between you and God." How true! Let's just say there was quite the chasm between God and I before I overcame my unwillingness to be truthful with myself and really reap the benefits of this book.

Praise the Lord for His patience and mercy!

I am reading 'The Bait of Satan' and it is speaking volumes to my spirit. John is not saying that is is a sin to be offended, I believe he is saying that it is a sin to remain offended.
"Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;" Hebrews 12:14-15.
A 'root of bitterness' occurs when we are not living in peace with all men even if those we are not at peace with do not know it. I see no problem with John's book especially if you are secure in your salvation.

I thought that I had the forgiveness thing down...Until I read this book and allowed the Lord to look deeply into the corners of my heart....It exposed the sin that is hidden there, and the unforgiveness that keeps me from growing in my own walk with the Lord!! I thought that I had rights!!! I mean after all...The ones that have wronged me REALLY WRONGED ME BIG!!! I thank God for the insight that He has given to John Bevere on this subject and pray daily that I can grow to be the loving and forgiving person that God called me to be!!!

It has taken me nearly 5 years to write this review. I first was introduced to Bevere by a relative and read this and another book of his. After reading this book I entered a downward spiral which lasted nearly two years. In this spiral I went from a place of security and peace and advancement in God, to at rock bottom feeling guilty most of the time, that I would drop into hell at any moment, and having urges to do horrible things not fit for this web page.

During this time period I sought help from other Christians, some of them very seasoned, and no one seem willing to make any clear statement on this book. In fact the few people that I did encounter who were aware of this author only raved in an unbalanced way, him like most of the reviewers below do. They zealously press you to read all of his books from cover to cover. This encourages the spiral of feeling bad about yourself and crazy for thinking there is something wrong with this picture. I also encountered a some who refused to talk about the subject as well as a few who were suffering through similar struggles, though each book affects each person differently.

As a background, I am now after healing, a staff member at a successful church in a major apostolic movement and Administrator of our Leadership Training School. I am submitted to authorities as it is one of our core beliefs, and I do not believe in Once Saved, Always Saved.

I'm not saying that what happened to me will happen to everyone who reads this or other books by Bevere, but now know that I am not the only one. I believe it was a combination of my weak conscience at the time, and the spirit and errors in this book which allowed this to happen. My main purpose for writing this review, is for those out there who may be feeling the same way, I want you to know that you can put this book down and never look back.

What is wrong with the teaching in this book is hard to pinpoint, but other reviewers have approached the problem. It uses many scriptures, sometimes out of context to define what an "offense" is, and do so broadly enough that anyone who is honest will discover that they have some. Then, it procedes to show you how horrible offenses really are, that they are the same thing as unforgiveness, and suggest that they will send you to hell. It does also place a large burden on the offended person without offering much if anything in the way of help to overcome this horrible problem. What makes this one particularly tricky is that if you have a problem with the book then you are "offended" and therefore all the more damned. If the tone had really been encouraging instead of threatining, I think this could have been a great book on an important topic. As it stands, I think it will hurt the weak, and I think it tends glorify the author in an unhealthy way.

I was finally freed of this problem after "randomly" attending a major conference where the main speaker came out publicly in opposition to the previous book "Thus Saith The Lord?" He proceeded to tell how he had taken the Matthew 18 route with Bevere, and even to the point of having him brought before the apostolic board, but that his concerns were not addressed, and so he had to publicly state that while John Bevere was clearly a gifted teacher that there was something in the book that was clearly not of God. My sincere hope is that Mr. Bevere would put his significant talents and anointing something which heals as much as it reveals.

Every single person has been offended one time or other. How do I know? The Bible says it is so! No one who lives in a time like this is free from offense, but the offense does not need to color the way we see things, how we view life, and how we perceive the people who have offended us. The offense can grow to become bitterness and take root in our lives. This book helps us identify that we have been offended, and the great need to forgive and release the offense.

"Offended people produce much fruit, such as hurt, anger, outrage, jealousy, resentment, strife, bitterness, hatred, and envy. Some of the consequences of picking up an offense are insults, attacks, wounding, division, separation, broken relationships, betrayal, and backsliding." (pg. xiv)

Why is the book entitled "The Bait of Satan"? Well, Bevere explains that the Greek word for "offend" in Luke 17:1 comes from the word skandalon, which originally referred to the part of the trap which the bait was attached. Hence, the word signifies laying a trap in someone's way. In the New Testament it often describes an entrapment used by the enemy.

The following are some quotes from the book:
- Our response to an offense determines our future.
- An offended Christian is one who takes in life but because of fear, cannot release it.
- When we filter everything through past hurts, rejections, and experiences, we find it impossible to believe God.
- There is only one person who can get you out of the will of God, and that is you!
- It is righteous for God to avenge His servants. It is unrighteous for God's servants to avenge themselves.
- Acquiring an offense keeps you from seeing your character flaws because blame is deferred to another.
- When we ratain an offense in our hearts, we filter everything through it.
- Jesus offended some people by obeying His Father, but He never caused an offense in order to assert His own rights.
- A slave is one who has to serve while a servant is one who lives to serve.
- A person who cannot forgive has forgotten how great a debt God has forgiven them.