Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

Matt. 7. [15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Jan 24, 2024

History is replete with false prophets. Spiritual grifters. Wolves in sheep’s clothing. They wrap themselves in cloaks of piety and typically claim to have a direct and exclusive channel to God. What they’re after, however, is power, money and control.

The first thing to notice about a false prophet is they may look like you. They may sound legitimate and they may even use all the right lingo. In other words, they know how to look the part. Many times, this is why they are so deceptive, because they make themselves appear to look like other sheep. Bible Study Tools

Awaken’s Coronado Event

When Awaken holds its upcoming premiere event at the Hotel del Coronado, expect a lot of razzle and dazzle, with rock music, strobe lights and dancing.

This Awaken promo video from a typical service shows you what I mean.

You also can expect heavy praise for faith, community and country. These are good things, as is preaching the gospel of Jesus. Remember, they will look like you and sound like you.

But This is Sheep’s Clothing

Awaken’s real message goes far beyond scripture and the teachings of Christ into the realm of radical politics and conspiracy theories. Rather than “love thy neighbor,” Awaken’s founder and lead “pastor” Jurgen Matthesius streams a flood of hate on social media and vows to drive Coronado residents out of town should they dare oppose him.

A collage of Awaken social media posts from Jurgen Matthesius and his wife

Matthesius and Awaken also have hosted a notorious road show called the ReAwaken America Tour, which includes White Supremacists, Hitler Admirers, Christo Fascists, Conspiracy Theorists, and QAnon Influencers.

Vaccine denialism and political diatribes aren’t a bug of Matthesius’ sermons, but an integral feature. Talk of rampant election fraud, globalist cabals and genocidal elites are increasingly common in his sermons and in his social media posts. Voice of San Diego

Then There’s the Money…

Awaken is also a so-called “prosperity church.” This entails all parishioners constantly being pressured to donate at least 10 percent of their income on an ongoing basis. Matthesius claims the money goes to God, who will rain financial blessings down upon you in return. I’m certain God does not have a bank account, nor is he in need of financial resources. My bet is the money goes to Awaken and Matthesius.

Here’s My Take

Like all of us, Matthesius has the right to freedom of speech and religion. He has the right to vilify and hate whoever he chooses, and even the right to spread debunked conspiracy theories and election denialism.

Those of us who oppose Awaken have the right, as well, to speak out and warn our community. To let them know that what they see at first is far from the full picture of what they will get.

Underneath the sheep’s clothing is a ravenous wolf, slouching towards Coronado.